During this year, many of LGBTQ+ writers have released memoirs, debut novels and essay collections investigating topics of queerness, Blackness, masculinity, love and more. Here are some of 2023’s most popular releases so far.
Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)? by Zach Zimmerman
This collection of essays written by comedian Zach Zimmerman tells the story of their journey from being a “straight, meat-eating, Southern Baptist to queer, vegetarian, atheist socialist.” Zimmerman’s writings have been published in The Washington Post, The New Yorker, Vulture and more, and his work is always injected with equal parts sharp wit and emotional gut punches.
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst
A novel about the life of a queer black writer, after she discovers she is being replaced in her big digital media job. She leaves New York City where she lives with he long term girlfriend and returns to her hometown in Maryland where she reconnects with an old flame. embedentonhurst.com
Boyslut by Zachary Zane
A memoir by seasoned sex and relationship columnist with Men’s Health, Boyslut tells of the adventures of Zane’s life as a bisexual man, and the ever-changing landscape of gender and sexual identity. Including everything from the details of Zane’s sex life, to his ponderings on modern masculinity, fetishes, kinks and much more fun. zacharyzane.com
The Male Gazed by Manuel Betancourt
In this personal collection of essays, Betancourt critiques masculinity as it has been portrayed in media and everyday life, utilizing his background as a film critic and his personal experiences as a queer Colombian man. mbetancourtcom.wordpress.com
Song of My Softening by Omotara James
Another collection of poetry by writer and visual artist Omotara James presents an emotional exploration of the intersections of queerness and Blackness. These poems and writings investigate themes of racism and homophobia intertwined with recollections on the relationship to oneself throughout life. omotarajames.com
The New Masculinity by Alex Manley
Though toxic masculinity may be a buzzword nowadays, it opens a larger conversation on the ways in which our patriarchal society may not be serving us as individuals, communities, and nations. Non-binary writer Alex Manley is aware of this and uses their background as editor of AskMen to inform this part-memoir part-nonfiction glance at the future of masculinity. alexmanley.com
Pageboy by Elliot Page
The highly anticipated memoir of actor Elliot Page tells the story of his life and transition, while addressing the difficulties of navigating gender identity and mental health while under the harsh spotlight of fame and growing up in the cut-throat Hollywood professional scene. instagram.com/elliotpage
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