October 11th is National Coming Out Day! Since it’s the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, this day celebrates an important process for the LGBTQ community. No matter what stage in the process you may be in, your identity is still valid and important.
Plenty of YA books deal with the coming out process, since a lot of teens are just figuring out their identities. In honor of National Coming Out Day, I thought I would feature some of these fantastic stories. You can also find other book recommendations at my LGBTQ link!
5 Coming Out Day Stories
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
After Ben comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they get kicked out. Forced to move in with their estranged sister, Hannah, Ben’s not sure what to do. Heartfelt and honest, Deaver has created an emotionally honest story about a teen trying to figure out their own identity–and finding other people who accept it.
The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis
Evan Panos is constantly trying to please his strict Greek mother. However, lately, his best friend has become more attractive to him. After kissing another boy at summer camp, Evan struggles to hide his identity from his parents. How long can he keep it up? Surmelis’s debut is heartfelt. Focusing on a boy who struggles with the conflict between his family’s religious views and his own identity.
Dreadnought by April Daniels
After well-known superhero, Dreadnought, falls out of the sky and into Danny’s path, her life is suddenly changed. Now, she has the body she’s always wanted. With superpowers! But despite this change, her father still won’t accept that she’s a girl. Does she have the strength to stand up for herself and fit into her new identity? You don’t see many superhero stories with transgender characters, and this own voices story fills that void.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
This graphic novel memoir details Walden’s own coming out story, growing up involved in the figure skating world and figuring herself out. The art draws the reader in, and many teens will be able to relate to Walden’s change in passions and her desire to be herself.
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Made more popular with the recent movie adaptation, this book is focused on Simon’s coming out and being outed without his consent. A lot of great discussion happens in this book, focusing on why the LGBTQ community is the only one that has to come out.