Queerbrarians

Wir verleihen Vielfalt.

Collection of books for the QSRC 2026

Fuzzy

Not quite sure which books to read for the Queerbrarians Summer Reading Challenge 2026, themed “Queer Around the World”, and looking for some inspiration? Then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together a selection of queer books for each category. Feel free to pick from this list or simply use it for inspiration to find your own titles. Anyone who’d like to is also warmly invited to join the StoryGraph challenge, where you’ll also find the books listed here.

Information about the books in more detail is provided in German and/or the original language.

Gay Travel Index

Take a literary journey to a country that is (too) dangerous for queer people. Find out more in the Gay Travel Index.

Asia

Discover the everyday realities or perspectives of queer people in an Asian country. The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

Africa

Learn about the realities of life or the perspectives of queer people in an African country. The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

Europe

Discover the everyday realities or perspectives of queer people in a European country. The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

North / Central America

Discover the everyday realities or perspectives of queer people in a North or Central American country. The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

South America

Discover the everyday realities or perspectives of queer people in a South American country. The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

Oceania & Australia

Learn about the everyday realities or perspectives of queer people in a country in Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand). The book should be set there and, ideally, written by someone from that background.

German Book

Discover German-speaking authors. The book may also be read in a translation into another language, if available.

Banned Book

Queer books are increasingly being banned in US libraries. All the more reason to read them. If you like, you can search for banned books at PEN America.

Literary Award

There are numerous queer literary awards, and even ‘mainstream’ book prizes occasionally recognise a queer book. Read a book that has won a literary award.

Graphic Novel

Discover queer diversity through illustrations and speech bubbles.

Non Fiction

Non fiction literature is full of queer perspectives, ideas, opinions and insights into queer history – yet these rarely receive much attention in mainstream society. It’s time to change that.

Classic

Whether they are a hundred years old or just a few decades – queer classics offer a glimpse into times gone by and are well worth discovering.

Adapted

Some queer books are so good that they’ve even been made into films and shows. But isn’t it nicer to let your imagination run wild while you’re reading?

Summer

Whether you’re in the heat of the city or on the rainy coast, the right book will help get you in the summer mood.

Ocean, Climate & Nature

Whether it’s a love of (sometimes harsh) nature or climate dystopia – queer literature has something to offer on these topics too.

Children’s / Young Adult Book

Put yourself in the shoes of children and young people and read a queer book that tackles the subject in an age-appropriate way and allows you to connect with your own reality or that of others. From rainbow families to finding one’s identity.

Social Criticism

People from marginalised groups often have a different perspective on social inequalities than the majority of society. Read a queer book that focuses on a social issue.

Biography

Although they are often overlooked in historical accounts, there have been many remarkable queer figures over recent years and centuries whose stories can be discovered through (auto)biographies and memoirs.

Intersectional

When queerness is compounded by further marginalisation, it gives rise to entirely different challenges. Read a queer book with an intersectional perspective.

Activism

What would the LGBTQIA+ community be without activists? Invisible. So let’s pay tribute to the champions of queer rights and read a book about them or written by them.

TBR Dust Collector

Read a queer book that’s been sitting on your TBR (to-be-read) pile for a while.

In another Language

Read a queer book in a language you don’t feel entirely confident with.

Wildcard

Were you unable to choose between two books in a particular category, or do you have a book that doesn’t quite fit into any of them? Then this category is just right for you. Read a queer book of your choice.