The Latest LGBTQ Graphic Novels and Memoirs
You may be an expert in queer literature. You may have read everything from Sappho to James Baldwin. But how about trying something fresh from an up and coming genre? Over the past years, comics and graphic novels have become more mainstream, and more queer! So why not give one of these new graphic novels a spin. Here’s a list of six new LGBTQ graphic novels for every Giovanni’s Room reader, available online and in store now!
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Paris, at the dawn of the modern age: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride–or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia–the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances–one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart. Buy now for $16.99 plus tax.
Wuvable Oaf: Blood & Metal by Ed Luce
Proceeding his wildly successful graphic novel, Wuvable Oaf, Ed Luce’s latest segment to the series follows everyone’s favorite cat-loving bear Oaf. Blood & Metal explores Oaf’s wrestling history, including an epic battle with a BDSM, leather-decked foe named Cock Rocker. Luce again brings the vibrant cast of characters and sense of humor readers have come to adore to the pages of his latest book. Cathy Camper on Lambda Literary says, “These comics are funny, silly and touching. But they also highlight Luce’s marvelous talent as a designer and colorist.” Oh, and there’s plenty of chest hair to spare! Buy now for $19.99 plus tax.
Gay Gigante: Una Historia Sobre El Miedo by Gabriel Ebensperger
In his graphic memoir, Gay Gigante illustrates the struggles of a gay boy growing up in Chile during the 1990’s. Ebensperger explores what it is like to grow up feeling different in a world that is cruel to those aren’t “normal.” He’s not like other boys. He’s a boy who belts the songs of his idol, the Mexican diva Yuri. He likes barbies and, secretly, his favorite car is the one that says Frutti Tutti. He’s a boy who is learning that he doesn’t fit in with this world, and feels guilty for it. Above all, he’s afraid that his difference will be discovered. Gay Gigante is the story of an endearing boy becoming an adult, and learning that true acceptance comes from himself. Written in Spanish, Ebensperger’s award-winning memoir is an exciting addition to the queer literary canon. Buy now for $12.95 plus tax.
Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele
Activist-academic Meg John Barker and cartoonist Julia Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this groundbreaking non-fiction graphic novel. A kaleidoscope of characters from the diverse worlds of pop-culture, film, activism, and academia guide us on a journey through the ideas, people and events that have shaped “queer theory.” From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender, and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged. Buy now for $17.95 plus tax.
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Nagata Kabi
The heart-rending autobiographical manga that’s taken the internet by storm! My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is an honest and heartfelt look at one young woman’s exploration of her sexuality, mental well-being, and growing up in our modern age. Told using expressive artwork that invokes both laughter and tears, this moving and highly entertaining single-volume depicts not only the artist’s burgeoning sexuality but many other personal aspects of her life that will resonate with readers. Buy now for $13.99 plus tax.