We’re to the next post in my Pride Month series~ This time we’re focusing on gay, bisexual, and pansexual characters. I will say, gay characters are definitely the most common. Other identities are definitely coming up, though! For this list, I’m going to try to focus on books that don’t focus on queer pain. But, there might be a couple on this list of gay, bi, and pan characters, so I’ll note those where necessary!
There has definitely been an increase in bisexual characters portrayed in YA lit, especially that I’ve noticed in the last year or two. I’ve read quite a few this year already, which is great! Keep them coming.
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Gay, Bi, and Pan Characters
Gay
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch: Sky is such a beautiful character, and this book is about finding your place in the world. It isn’t a coming out story, but it’s definitely a found family story. If you love Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, you’ll love this! Read more in my review.
The Summer of Everything by Julian Winters: This one is about Wes, who’s in love with his best friend and is trying to save his favorite indie bookstore. Set in LA, this book gives you allllll the summer vibes.
Camp by L.C. Rosen: Another summer vibe book! Randy is going to be a jock at the queer summer camp he attends to land his crush. Does it work? Read it to find out! Content warning, though, there’s a pretty explicit sex scene at the end of the novel.
Lesbian
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson: This book unfolds like a teen rom-com movie. Liz is competing to be homecoming queen to win a scholarship. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the competition.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki: And a graphic novel! Laura Dean was Freddy’s dream girl. But she’s not exactly the best girlfriend. On again, off again, Freddy finds she’s starting to lose her friends, too.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron: A fairy tale retelling about Cinderella! Sophia would rather marry her best friend Erin rather than a prince charming. When she runs away the day of the ball, she ends up finding the resistance.
Bisexual
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli: Let me just start by saying Leah is hilarious. As is this book! Seriously, I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. If the Simonverse is your thing, you will love this.
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe: We have a thriller on the list! Nora is stick in a bank robbery with her ex-boyfriend and her girlfriend. Which brings her con-artist past to light. Fast-paced and heart-pounding, definitely read this if you love thrillers.
I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee: This is such a happy, upbeat book! About a girl, Skye, who auditions for a K-Pop competition. And also falls in love with some of the competition. Another one for the summer list!
Pansexual
Final Draft by Riley Redgate: Laila doesn’t take risks, only in her writing. But in order to jump start her writing, she decides to go out and live life. But Laila has to decide if this is sustainable lifestyle.
Ship It by Britta Lundin: Claire is a fan of the show Demon Heart. When she meets Forest, a main character, at a Comic-Con, her dreams have come true. Until Forest laughs off her theories. It goes viral, and Forest has to work with Claire to make things right.
The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore: After she and a boy were assaulted at the same party, Graciela’s world changes. Reckless magic starts appearing. When the boy turns up at her school, she knows she has to help his discover the truth.