LGBTQ+ biographies allow readers to dive deep into the lives of individuals who have made history, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for change. These books go beyond mere storytelling—they offer personal insights into the lives of LGBTQ+ figures, their struggles, victories, and their significant contributions to society. This list of the top 10 LGBTQ+ biographies highlights a variety of perspectives, from activists to artists, and is an essential guide for readers looking to explore this rich genre.
Author: Jamie Rivers
Jamie Rivers is an LGBTQ+ advocate and an avid reader of queer literature. With a background in journalism and activism, Jamie focuses on amplifying queer voices through powerful stories and biographies.
10. Angela Davis: An Autobiography
Angela Davis
⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (384 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
Angela Davis’s life story is one of courage, resilience, and activism. Her autobiography sheds light on her work as a revolutionary political activist, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. This autobiography is an essential read for anyone interested in civil rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Fun Fact:
Angela Davis has been a prominent figure in social justice for decades, and her autobiography provides an unfiltered look into her time in the Black Panther Party and her wrongful imprisonment.
Discover more about Angela Davis’s life here.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
9. Morally Straight: How the Fight for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Changed the Boy Scouts and America
Mike De Socio
⭐ 4.9 out of 5 stars (11 ratings)
Why You’ll Love It:
This book covers the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and traditional American institutions like the Boy Scouts. Mike De Socio captures the tension and triumph of integrating LGBTQ+ inclusion into such a historically conservative organization.
Fun Fact:
This book provides a powerful lens through which we can understand how LGBTQ+ advocacy has influenced national policies, making it a must-read for those interested in LGBTQ+ history.
Learn more about this significant milestone in LGBTQ+ history here.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
8. In the Dream House: A Memoir
Carmen Maria Machado
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (6,572 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
In the Dream House is a haunting memoir that delves into the complexities of same-sex abuse and queer identity. Carmen Maria Machado’s innovative writing style makes this memoir an unforgettable and important contribution to LGBTQ+ literature.
Fun Fact:
Machado’s memoir challenges traditional narrative structures, using experimental formats like choose-your-own-adventure sequences and horror tropes to tell her story.
Pick up In the Dream House today.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
7. Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life
Alan Cumming
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (978 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
Alan Cumming’s memoir takes readers on a journey through his vibrant life as a queer actor, activist, and public figure. His stories are both hilarious and heartbreaking, capturing the full range of his experiences in Hollywood and beyond.
Fun Fact:
Cumming has earned acclaim not just for his acting but for his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. His memoir is filled with the wit and wisdom that have made him a beloved figure in the queer community.
Explore Alan Cumming’s full life story here.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
6. The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir
RuPaul
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,500 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
RuPaul’s memoir uncovers the layers of the drag queen’s rise to fame. Known for revolutionizing the drag world, RuPaul shares insights about identity, gender performance, and what it means to be truly authentic in a world that often pushes for conformity.
Fun Fact:
RuPaul is not just an entertainer but a cultural icon who helped bring LGBTQ+ culture into the mainstream, thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Discover RuPaul’s journey to fame.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
5. Gender Queer: A Memoir
Maia Kobabe
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,288 ratings)
Why You’ll Love It:
Gender Queer is a groundbreaking memoir that explores the nuances of gender identity. Maia Kobabe’s personal journey from confused adolescence to self-acceptance offers a raw, honest look at what it means to be gender nonbinary.
Fun Fact:
This memoir is frequently cited in discussions about LGBTQ+ books for its ability to humanize the gender spectrum, helping many readers understand gender fluidity better.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
4. Pageboy: A Memoir
Elliot Page
⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars (2,974 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
Pageboy is an intimate look into the life of actor Elliot Page, chronicling his experiences as a transgender man in Hollywood. His memoir is a powerful testament to the complexities of identity and self-acceptance in an industry that values conformity.
Fun Fact:
Elliot Page made headlines in 2020 when he came out as transgender, and his memoir gives readers a deeper understanding of his personal journey.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
3. Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark
Cassandra Peterson
⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (3,676 ratings)
Why You’ll Love It:
Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, shares the story behind the creation of her iconic character in Yours Cruelly. This memoir is a mix of humor, heart, and a candid exploration of her life as a queer woman in Hollywood.
Fun Fact:
Elvira is not just a pop culture figure but also a symbol of empowerment for many in the LGBTQ+ community. Her memoir offers insights into how she built a career based on unapologetic authenticity.
Get to know Elvira’s story here.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
2. In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court
Brittney Griner
⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (404 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner’s memoir, In My Skin, gives readers a window into her life as an LGBTQ+ athlete and advocate. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and breaking barriers in sports.
Fun Fact:
Griner is one of the few openly queer athletes in professional sports, and her bravery has inspired countless fans worldwide.
Learn more about Brittney Griner’s story here.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
1. Untamed
Glennon Doyle
⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (66,649 ratings)
Why We Choose It:
In Untamed, Glennon Doyle shares her personal journey of embracing her true self as a queer woman, wife, and mother. Her insights on love, identity, and living unapologetically have resonated with readers worldwide, making it the most popular LGBTQ+ biography on this list.
Fun Fact:
Doyle’s powerful story has inspired readers to rethink what it means to live authentically, and her book has sparked a global movement of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Start your journey with Untamed today.
Category: LGBTQ+ Biographies
Explore More LGBTQ+ Book Recommendations
For more LGBTQ+ book recommendations, check out other Top10 categories at www.top10books.org.
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