The Best LGBT History Books of All Time

Discover the most influential lgbt history books, recommended by leaders, experts, and readers worldwide

We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page.
Recommendations by Quinn Cummings, Peter Tatchell, Rosie Gray, Elis James and 23 others

Not sure what to read? Our AI can suggest the most recommended LGBT History books!

1
Book Cover of Lillian Faderman - The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle

By Lillian Faderman – Internationally known scholar of lesbian history (you?) 

4.92
| 2015 | 816 Pages
Recommended for: 
Readers interested in LGBTQ+ history. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn about the history of the gay rights movement from the 1950s to present.
  • Discover the key figures and events that shaped LGBTQ+ rights in America.
  • Understand the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community over decades.
  • Explore the intersection of activism and personal stories in the fight for equality.
  • Gain insight into the societal changes regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
Reviews:
Comprehensive History
Engaging Narrative
Well-Researched
Readable
Inspiring Stories
Lengthy
Minor Focus on AIDS
  • New York Times Bestseller
  • Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
  • One of the Six Top Books of LGBT Life
Recommended by David Carter, Cleve Jones, The New York Times and 8 others
David CarterThe Gay Revolution fills a yawning gap in history literature. The arrival of this new work is timely
Cleve JonesAs gay people approach equality under the law, Faderman charts the course that brought such remarkable change so swiftly
The New York TimesTo read her is like viewing the AIDS quilt, which overwhelms the viewer with the care taken in each of its numberless panels. Any revolutionary would be lucky to stand in a light so steady, so searching, and so sure
Show 8 more reviews |Read Amazon reviews |Rate or write a review
2
Book Cover of James Kirchick - Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington
4.78
| 2022 | 848 Pages
Recommended by Rosie Gray and David Frum
Rosie GrayBig congrats to ⁦jkirchick⁩ on his book launch - this is such an important book and full of amazing stories. Don’t miss it
David FrumJamie's new book "Secret City" tells the story in fascinating detail of how Reagan made his decision
|Read Amazon reviews |Rate or write a review
LGBT History Book made by AI

By TailoredRead – AI that creates personalized books for you 

4.98
| 2025 | 30-300 pages
Learn LGBT History faster with a book created specifically for you by state-of-the-art AI. Our AI has vast knowledge of LGBT History, and will craft a custom-tailored book for you in just 10 minutes. This tailored book addresses YOUR unique interests, goals, knowledge level, and background. Available for online reading, PDF download, and Kindle, your custom book will provide personalized insights to help you learn faster, expand your horizons, and accomplish your goals. Embark on your LGBT History learning journey with a personalized book - made exclusively for you.
Recommended for: 
All readers across all knowledge levels.
You will:
  • Get a LGBT History book tailored to your interests, goals, and background
  • Receive a book precisely matching your background and level of knowledge
  • Select which topics you want to learn, exclude the topics you don't
  • Define your learning goals and let your book guide you to accomplish them
  • Get all the knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book
Reviews:
Insightful
Focused
Highly Personalized
Easy to Read
Engaging
Actionable
Up-to-Date
3
Book Cover of Sarah Schulman - Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993

By Sarah Schulman – Lambda Literary Award Winner, 2022 (you?) 

4.77
| 2021 | 736 Pages
Recommended for: 
Activists and historians interested in LGBTQ+ issues. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn about the history of ACT UP and its impact on AIDS activism.
  • Discover the internal dynamics and conflicts within ACT UP.
  • Understand the strategies used by activists to effect change.
  • Explore the intersection of race, gender, and class in activism.
  • Gain insights into the importance of grassroots organizing for social movements.
Reviews:
Comprehensive History
Engaging Narrative
Inspiring Activism
Detailed Interviews
Thought-Provoking
Lengthy
Complex Structure
  • Lambda Literary Award Winner
  • Stonewall Book Award Winner
  • New York Times Book Review Notable Book
Recommended by Moira Weigel
Moira Weigelmer__edith Oh I love that book too! And Let the Record Show, in that vein
|Read Amazon reviews |Rate or write a review
Loading
Category:
Choose a different view:
Format:
Print | Kindle | Audiobooks |
Sort by:
Top Rated | Best Sellers |