Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Staff-created list
Gay fiction includes characters, plots and stories, and/or themes showing gay relationships. This means it fits into any other genre as well, so there's something for everyone. Some are spicier romances, others are set in a historical or fantasy setting, while others highlight the real struggles that can come with being gay. Many are also written by gay authors, who draw on their own experiences for their characters and stories. We use the hashtag #OwnVoices when the race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation of the creator is the same as the main character. A Christchurch City Libraries list.
This two-part series is light-hearted while also exploring themes like sexuality, prejudice, and what it means to be family. Created by award-winning Mang...Show more
This two-part series is light-hearted while also exploring themes like sexuality, prejudice, and what it means to be family. Created by award-winning Manga artist Gengoroh Tagame, the story focuses on Yaichi, a single dad, when his late-brother's Canadian husband comes to visit. This touching and very human story is a must-read for LGBTQIA+ fiction! #OwnVoices
Show less
This two-part series is light-hearted while also exploring themes like sexuality, prejudice, and what it means to be family. Created by award-winning Mang...Show more
This two-part series is light-hearted while also exploring themes like sexuality, prejudice, and what it means to be family. Created by award-winning Manga artist Gengoroh Tagame, the story focuses on Yaichi, a single dad, when his late-brother's Canadian husband comes to visit. This touching and very human story is a must-read for LGBTQIA+ fiction! #OwnVoices
Show less
A fantastic piece of romantic historical-fantasy that pulls you into it. In a world where books are met with fear and stigma, Emmett Farmer is torn from h...Show more
A fantastic piece of romantic historical-fantasy that pulls you into it. In a world where books are met with fear and stigma, Emmett Farmer is torn from his father's farm to become a binder's apprentice. Only this is not normal book binding; here people have their memories and secrets bound into books, to be stored away forever or sold by unscrupulous binders. All goes relatively smoothly until Emmett meets Lucian Darnay, a young aristocrat who comes to Emmett's teacher for a binding, and then discovers a book in his teacher's storehouse with his own name on it.
Show less
A fantastic piece of romantic historical-fantasy that pulls you into it. In a world where books are met with fear and stigma, Emmett Farmer is torn from h...Show more
A fantastic piece of romantic historical-fantasy that pulls you into it. In a world where books are met with fear and stigma, Emmett Farmer is torn from his father's farm to become a binder's apprentice. Only this is not normal book binding; here people have their memories and secrets bound into books, to be stored away forever or sold by unscrupulous binders. All goes relatively smoothly until Emmett meets Lucian Darnay, a young aristocrat who comes to Emmett's teacher for a binding, and then discovers a book in his teacher's storehouse with his own name on it.
Show less
The story of the Trojan War, but with a wonderfully original spin on it. The story follows Patroclus, a young prince exiled to Phthia, and his budding fri...Show more
The story of the Trojan War, but with a wonderfully original spin on it. The story follows Patroclus, a young prince exiled to Phthia, and his budding friendship with young Achilles. As the two grow up, their friendship becomes something more, and Patroclus follows Achilles to Troy for a war that will test them both.
Show less
The story of the Trojan War, but with a wonderfully original spin on it. The story follows Patroclus, a young prince exiled to Phthia, and his budding fri...Show more
The story of the Trojan War, but with a wonderfully original spin on it. The story follows Patroclus, a young prince exiled to Phthia, and his budding friendship with young Achilles. As the two grow up, their friendship becomes something more, and Patroclus follows Achilles to Troy for a war that will test them both.
Show less
Some class this as the "original gay romance", Maurice follows a young man as he discovers and struggles with his sexuality in 20th century Engl...Show more
Some class this as the "original gay romance", Maurice follows a young man as he discovers and struggles with his sexuality in 20th century England, before accepting himself as he is and finding love. Originally written in 1913, but only published in 1971 because of the content, this is a classic read.
Show less
Some class this as the "original gay romance", Maurice follows a young man as he discovers and struggles with his sexuality in 20th century Engl...Show more
Some class this as the "original gay romance", Maurice follows a young man as he discovers and struggles with his sexuality in 20th century England, before accepting himself as he is and finding love. Originally written in 1913, but only published in 1971 because of the content, this is a classic read.
Show less
Widely credited as Proulx’s best novel, Brokeback Mountain gained popularity with the 2005 film adaptation, as a modern cowboy love story. The novel follo...Show more
Widely credited as Proulx’s best novel, Brokeback Mountain gained popularity with the 2005 film adaptation, as a modern cowboy love story. The novel follows two ranch hands, Ennis and Jack, who grapple with their feelings and a deep connection and attraction to each other. Both men marry and have kids, as society expects them to, but come to understand how important love really is.
Show less
Widely credited as Proulx’s best novel, Brokeback Mountain gained popularity with the 2005 film adaptation, as a modern cowboy love story. The novel follo...Show more
Widely credited as Proulx’s best novel, Brokeback Mountain gained popularity with the 2005 film adaptation, as a modern cowboy love story. The novel follows two ranch hands, Ennis and Jack, who grapple with their feelings and a deep connection and attraction to each other. Both men marry and have kids, as society expects them to, but come to understand how important love really is.
Show less
A 'literary western' that follows orphans Thomas McNulty and John Cole. Barely seventeen, they both sign up and fight in the Indian Wars and later the Civ...Show more
A 'literary western' that follows orphans Thomas McNulty and John Cole. Barely seventeen, they both sign up and fight in the Indian Wars and later the Civil War. War and the atrocities they've seen and done test their relationship, as they try to make a life together in the military.
Show less
A 'literary western' that follows orphans Thomas McNulty and John Cole. Barely seventeen, they both sign up and fight in the Indian Wars and later the Civ...Show more
A 'literary western' that follows orphans Thomas McNulty and John Cole. Barely seventeen, they both sign up and fight in the Indian Wars and later the Civil War. War and the atrocities they've seen and done test their relationship, as they try to make a life together in the military.
Show less
A two-part historical supernatural story about Akihiko, who returns to his family's traditional home to try and break the curse that causes men in his fam...Show more
A two-part historical supernatural story about Akihiko, who returns to his family's traditional home to try and break the curse that causes men in his family to die young. One night, Akihiko time slips a century into the past and meets Eitaro, a young student who is trying to find an answer to the same problem. Can they break the curse before it's too late for Akihiko?
Show less
A two-part historical supernatural story about Akihiko, who returns to his family's traditional home to try and break the curse that causes men in his fam...Show more
A two-part historical supernatural story about Akihiko, who returns to his family's traditional home to try and break the curse that causes men in his family to die young. One night, Akihiko time slips a century into the past and meets Eitaro, a young student who is trying to find an answer to the same problem. Can they break the curse before it's too late for Akihiko?
Show less
Another one in this list with a film adaptation, the book is a beautifully written story about sexual and personal discovery, finding love, and passionate...Show more
Another one in this list with a film adaptation, the book is a beautifully written story about sexual and personal discovery, finding love, and passionate obsession. Elio lives in his parent's mansion on a cliffside of the Italian Riviera, where he meets a guest of his parents'. The story follows these two characters as their relationship unfolds.
Show less
Another one in this list with a film adaptation, the book is a beautifully written story about sexual and personal discovery, finding love, and passionate...Show more
Another one in this list with a film adaptation, the book is a beautifully written story about sexual and personal discovery, finding love, and passionate obsession. Elio lives in his parent's mansion on a cliffside of the Italian Riviera, where he meets a guest of his parents'. The story follows these two characters as their relationship unfolds.
Show less
Winner of the Pulitzer prize, this book is a romantic read about chance, failure, humour and finding your happy. If you like sweet stories laced with some romance and beautiful lyrical writing be sure to give this one a go.
Winner of the Pulitzer prize, this book is a romantic read about chance, failure, humour and finding your happy. If you like sweet stories laced with some romance and beautiful lyrical writing be sure to give this one a go.
Show less
Winner of the Pulitzer prize, this book is a romantic read about chance, failure, humour and finding your happy. If you like sweet stories laced with some romance and beautiful lyrical writing be sure to give this one a go.
Winner of the Pulitzer prize, this book is a romantic read about chance, failure, humour and finding your happy. If you like sweet stories laced with some romance and beautiful lyrical writing be sure to give this one a go.
Show less
A light fluffy rom-com with some paranormal themes that will have you up late wanting to know how the story ends! Henry is in love with his best friend Ma...Show more
A light fluffy rom-com with some paranormal themes that will have you up late wanting to know how the story ends! Henry is in love with his best friend Malcom and when they finally get together Mal disappears! If you like a good page turner with sweet captivating characters this is a great choice.
Show less
A light fluffy rom-com with some paranormal themes that will have you up late wanting to know how the story ends! Henry is in love with his best friend Ma...Show more
A light fluffy rom-com with some paranormal themes that will have you up late wanting to know how the story ends! Henry is in love with his best friend Malcom and when they finally get together Mal disappears! If you like a good page turner with sweet captivating characters this is a great choice.
Show less
An incredibly sorrowful read that will have a lasting impact on your soul. If you want to read something that will break your heart over and over this is ...Show more
An incredibly sorrowful read that will have a lasting impact on your soul. If you want to read something that will break your heart over and over this is the read for you. A beautifully written story of four friends and their journey into adulthood. Fair warning, this tale contains some very horrible life experiences.
Show less
An incredibly sorrowful read that will have a lasting impact on your soul. If you want to read something that will break your heart over and over this is ...Show more
An incredibly sorrowful read that will have a lasting impact on your soul. If you want to read something that will break your heart over and over this is the read for you. A beautifully written story of four friends and their journey into adulthood. Fair warning, this tale contains some very horrible life experiences.
Show less
This is a shattering depiction of love, poverty, addiction and sexuality. The plot follows young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain as he struggles as a young ...Show more
This is a shattering depiction of love, poverty, addiction and sexuality. The plot follows young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain as he struggles as a young person living in a decrepit tenement, in the midst of the working class hardships of the Thatcher-era Glasgow. Shuggie struggles with complex feelings about his alcoholic mother Agnes, who he loves fiercly despite her addiction and abuse. Be aware, this is a bleak novel that features addiction, rape and heartbreak. Shuggie Bain won the Booker Man in 2020. #OwnVoices
Show less
This is a shattering depiction of love, poverty, addiction and sexuality. The plot follows young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain as he struggles as a young ...Show more
This is a shattering depiction of love, poverty, addiction and sexuality. The plot follows young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain as he struggles as a young person living in a decrepit tenement, in the midst of the working class hardships of the Thatcher-era Glasgow. Shuggie struggles with complex feelings about his alcoholic mother Agnes, who he loves fiercly despite her addiction and abuse. Be aware, this is a bleak novel that features addiction, rape and heartbreak. Shuggie Bain won the Booker Man in 2020. #OwnVoices
Show less
A cracking debut novel where two seventeen year old boys meet, and head down a path that will lead them to beautiful (and ultimately) dark places. In Pitt...Show more
A cracking debut novel where two seventeen year old boys meet, and head down a path that will lead them to beautiful (and ultimately) dark places. In Pittsburguh, 1970 Paul and Julian meet at university during a class debate, and find delight in a new connection despite their differences. Peers and family are alienated (and uncomfortable with a gay relationship) while Julian and Paul start to experience a steamy, dark and powerful obsession with one another. With slow building suspence, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see when the balance between pleasure spills over into pain. Be aware, this novel does feature violence. #OwnVoices
Show less
A cracking debut novel where two seventeen year old boys meet, and head down a path that will lead them to beautiful (and ultimately) dark places. In Pitt...Show more
A cracking debut novel where two seventeen year old boys meet, and head down a path that will lead them to beautiful (and ultimately) dark places. In Pittsburguh, 1970 Paul and Julian meet at university during a class debate, and find delight in a new connection despite their differences. Peers and family are alienated (and uncomfortable with a gay relationship) while Julian and Paul start to experience a steamy, dark and powerful obsession with one another. With slow building suspence, this book will leave you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see when the balance between pleasure spills over into pain. Be aware, this novel does feature violence. #OwnVoices
Show less
A compelling read, with very real characters you will either love, or hate to love! Focusing on two gay childhood friends and the different perspectives o...Show more
A compelling read, with very real characters you will either love, or hate to love! Focusing on two gay childhood friends and the different perspectives on relationships and the complexities of life after coming out. This read moves fast, covering issues from Stonewall, AIDS, legalising same sex marriage, and everything up to the 2016 elections. The style of writing changes throughout building on the characters complex identities and experiences. Read this if you like Garth Greenwell's work.
Show less
A compelling read, with very real characters you will either love, or hate to love! Focusing on two gay childhood friends and the different perspectives o...Show more
A compelling read, with very real characters you will either love, or hate to love! Focusing on two gay childhood friends and the different perspectives on relationships and the complexities of life after coming out. This read moves fast, covering issues from Stonewall, AIDS, legalising same sex marriage, and everything up to the 2016 elections. The style of writing changes throughout building on the characters complex identities and experiences. Read this if you like Garth Greenwell's work.
Show less
Get ready for a tear jerker, because this book will turn on the water works. Brian is a gay man who moved to the freedom of New York city 6 years ago, and...Show more
Get ready for a tear jerker, because this book will turn on the water works. Brian is a gay man who moved to the freedom of New York city 6 years ago, and is now on his own dealing with devastation and heartbreak in the aftermath of the AIDS epidemic. Returning home, Brian experiences the stigma that comes with AIDS around his family, but learns about the value of chosen family over blood family, and begins to accept his future. #ownvoices
Show less
Get ready for a tear jerker, because this book will turn on the water works. Brian is a gay man who moved to the freedom of New York city 6 years ago, and...Show more
Get ready for a tear jerker, because this book will turn on the water works. Brian is a gay man who moved to the freedom of New York city 6 years ago, and is now on his own dealing with devastation and heartbreak in the aftermath of the AIDS epidemic. Returning home, Brian experiences the stigma that comes with AIDS around his family, but learns about the value of chosen family over blood family, and begins to accept his future. #ownvoices
Show less
Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, Real Life makes for a harrowing if depressing read. An emotionally gripping story set in Alabama, which captures a...Show more
Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, Real Life makes for a harrowing if depressing read. An emotionally gripping story set in Alabama, which captures a short period of time in the life of a gay African American student of biochemistry. Introverted and distant, Wallace struggles to open up to those around him. Tormented by his troubled childhood, and by his struggles with discrimination due to both his race and sexuality, the novel depicts Wallace's relationships, everyday struggles, and barely suppressed anger and frustration. #OwnVoices
Show less
Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, Real Life makes for a harrowing if depressing read. An emotionally gripping story set in Alabama, which captures a...Show more
Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, Real Life makes for a harrowing if depressing read. An emotionally gripping story set in Alabama, which captures a short period of time in the life of a gay African American student of biochemistry. Introverted and distant, Wallace struggles to open up to those around him. Tormented by his troubled childhood, and by his struggles with discrimination due to both his race and sexuality, the novel depicts Wallace's relationships, everyday struggles, and barely suppressed anger and frustration. #OwnVoices
Show less
What if you could own and control a person? Docile is a sci-fi/slaveficion read about the poor selling themselves to the rich to pay off debt. A story fil...Show more
What if you could own and control a person? Docile is a sci-fi/slaveficion read about the poor selling themselves to the rich to pay off debt. A story filled with kink, emotional abuse, and capitalism. This story isn't for the faint of heart. K M Szpara is known for writing delicious sexy scenes and beautifully vivid settings, this is a story you will rip through with characters you will hate to love. If your in the mood for some super steamy violent delights check this out. #ownvoices (contains un-consensual sex, emotional abuse, drug use and slavery). #OwnVoices
Show less
What if you could own and control a person? Docile is a sci-fi/slaveficion read about the poor selling themselves to the rich to pay off debt. A story fil...Show more
What if you could own and control a person? Docile is a sci-fi/slaveficion read about the poor selling themselves to the rich to pay off debt. A story filled with kink, emotional abuse, and capitalism. This story isn't for the faint of heart. K M Szpara is known for writing delicious sexy scenes and beautifully vivid settings, this is a story you will rip through with characters you will hate to love. If your in the mood for some super steamy violent delights check this out. #ownvoices (contains un-consensual sex, emotional abuse, drug use and slavery). #OwnVoices
Show less
A raw, poetic and important read about identity and place, the novel is set in the form of a confessional letter to the authors mother, who cannot read. O...Show more
A raw, poetic and important read about identity and place, the novel is set in the form of a confessional letter to the authors mother, who cannot read. Our main character Little Dog grapples with a family history of violence, displacement, trauma and forgotten fathers. This novel acts as snippets through this unstable familial history— from the Vietnam war, a wise grandmother, a foray into romance with a skinny white boy— that showcases the impact of understated violence as much as the larger traumas. This book comes with a trigger warning about physical and emotional abuse, but is a splintering debut novel. #OwnVoices
Show less
A raw, poetic and important read about identity and place, the novel is set in the form of a confessional letter to the authors mother, who cannot read. O...Show more
A raw, poetic and important read about identity and place, the novel is set in the form of a confessional letter to the authors mother, who cannot read. Our main character Little Dog grapples with a family history of violence, displacement, trauma and forgotten fathers. This novel acts as snippets through this unstable familial history— from the Vietnam war, a wise grandmother, a foray into romance with a skinny white boy— that showcases the impact of understated violence as much as the larger traumas. This book comes with a trigger warning about physical and emotional abuse, but is a splintering debut novel. #OwnVoices
Show less
A contemporary funny read the kind where nothing really happens, but you cant stop reading because it's too good! The debut novel by song writer/author Ro...Show more
A contemporary funny read the kind where nothing really happens, but you cant stop reading because it's too good! The debut novel by song writer/author Ronnie Scott, The Adversary is a light cheerful story about a reclusive young man enjoying an aimless summer meeting new people, and trying new things. If you're after a character focused fun read this is a wonderful portrayal of gay youth in Australia.
Show less
A contemporary funny read the kind where nothing really happens, but you cant stop reading because it's too good! The debut novel by song writer/author Ro...Show more
A contemporary funny read the kind where nothing really happens, but you cant stop reading because it's too good! The debut novel by song writer/author Ronnie Scott, The Adversary is a light cheerful story about a reclusive young man enjoying an aimless summer meeting new people, and trying new things. If you're after a character focused fun read this is a wonderful portrayal of gay youth in Australia.
Show less
Bryan Washington is well known for his tender stories that linger and bruise your heart— and these stories will make you cry. If you like strong character...Show more
Bryan Washington is well known for his tender stories that linger and bruise your heart— and these stories will make you cry. If you like strong characters and captivating writing this is for you. A collection of short stories about black and Latinx working class in Houston that explores sexuality, masculinity, racism, families, and community #OwnVoices
Show less
Bryan Washington is well known for his tender stories that linger and bruise your heart— and these stories will make you cry. If you like strong character...Show more
Bryan Washington is well known for his tender stories that linger and bruise your heart— and these stories will make you cry. If you like strong characters and captivating writing this is for you. A collection of short stories about black and Latinx working class in Houston that explores sexuality, masculinity, racism, families, and community #OwnVoices
Show less
Greenwell is known for his poetry and beautiful words, and this short story collection about power, desire and life is nothing short of poetic perfection....Show more
Greenwell is known for his poetry and beautiful words, and this short story collection about power, desire and life is nothing short of poetic perfection. The selection of stories weave between different sexual encounters, some tender and sweet, others filled with violent delights. This book is beautifully written, and is a treat for readers who like lyrical writing, melancholic tones and strong characters. #OwnVoices
Show less
Greenwell is known for his poetry and beautiful words, and this short story collection about power, desire and life is nothing short of poetic perfection....Show more
Greenwell is known for his poetry and beautiful words, and this short story collection about power, desire and life is nothing short of poetic perfection. The selection of stories weave between different sexual encounters, some tender and sweet, others filled with violent delights. This book is beautifully written, and is a treat for readers who like lyrical writing, melancholic tones and strong characters. #OwnVoices
Show less
This second novel by James Baldiwn, set in Europe during the '50s, examines the societal pressure of gay men to assimilate. Our main character is an Ameri...Show more
This second novel by James Baldiwn, set in Europe during the '50s, examines the societal pressure of gay men to assimilate. Our main character is an American expat who is struggling to suppress his sexuality by deciding to find himself a wife and try to settle down. His plans go awry when he meets a handsome Italian bartender, and he is thrown into mental torment about his double life. A powerful and haunting novel, Giovannis Room was controversial when first published. #OwnVoices
Show less
This second novel by James Baldiwn, set in Europe during the '50s, examines the societal pressure of gay men to assimilate. Our main character is an Ameri...Show more
This second novel by James Baldiwn, set in Europe during the '50s, examines the societal pressure of gay men to assimilate. Our main character is an American expat who is struggling to suppress his sexuality by deciding to find himself a wife and try to settle down. His plans go awry when he meets a handsome Italian bartender, and he is thrown into mental torment about his double life. A powerful and haunting novel, Giovannis Room was controversial when first published. #OwnVoices
Show less
ChristchurchLib
ChristchurchLib
