The Queer Bookshelf:
A Reader’s Guide
The Queer Bookshelf:
A Reader’s Guide
Overview
We have always been here, and so have our stories. Queer writers and writing about LGBTQ+ people have existed since the dawn of writing itself, from Ancient Mesopotamia through to the Victorians right up to to the present day, where we are currently experiencing a vibrant new era of queer writing.
The Queer Bookshelf is your ultimate guide to this rich history. Alongside the author’s own love affair with queer books, this book is packed with recommendations from prominent queer authors, booksellers, and readers and is an entertaining journey through the evolution of queer literature to discover the most important, fascinating, and fun queer classics from around the world.
Literary classics, pulp fiction, war writing, crime thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, young adult books: all have a queer history and future. The Queer Bookshelf lights the way, making it the perfect companion for anyone beginning or continuing their queer reading journey.
Details
- Format
- Size
- Extent
- ISBN
- RRP
- Pub date
- Rights held
- Other rights
- Hardback
- 216mm x 135mm
- 256 pages
- 9781917189071
- GBP£14.99
- 4 June 2026
- UK & Commonwealth (ex. Can) + Europe
- DHH Literary Agency
Categories
Praise
Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:
‘Layla is right that the challenges to opportunity exist disproportionately across minority communities — I am thrilled that she’s not only highlighting these disparities for the LGBTQ+ community but is providing insights and solutions to overcome these challenges.’
Praise for Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling:
‘A brilliantly researched book packed full of insight, advice and inspiration for those who want to be able to live, work and succeed as their authentic and fabulous LGBTQ+ selves.’
About the Author
When Layla McCay isn’t reading a novel or running queer book clubs in the UK, US, and Japan, she frequently appears on the BBC, hosts The Moth storytelling shows, and features in The Mortified Guide Netflix miniseries about growing up gay. She was recognised on the Outstanding Executive Role Models and Attitude 101 lists for her impact on LGBTQ+ culture and inclusion, and her book Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ People Can Thrive and Succeed at Work won an Axiom Book Award. Layla is a leader in health policy by day and lives with her wife in London.
