A legendary drag queen once said, "Reading is fundamental!" That piece of sage advice is especially true when it comes to the importance of LGBTQIA+ non-fiction.

While we're huge fans of fiction and all the escapism it offers – see here for our list of gay romances like Heated Rivalry and Cleat Cute – non-fiction gives queer readers the chance to reflect on the trials and tribulations our community has faced over the years, while celebrating the groundbreaking victories and unsung heroes who helped bring much-needed change.

Whether you're looking to dive into queer history, discover overlooked trailblazers or gain a deeper understanding of the LGBTQIA+ experience, these books offer powerful, thought-provoking and inspiring reads.

With that in mind, we've compiled 11 books that are perfect for any queer reader looking to explore the world of LGBTQIA+ non-fiction.

All Boys Aren't Blue

Author: George M Johnson

Released in 2020, All Boys Aren't Blue features a series of essays by esteemed journalist and activist George M Johnson. Throughout the book, Johnson gives readers an unfiltered look at their journey as a Black queer person in America and how they navigated consent, agency, gender identity, toxic masculinity and more.