When it comes to conveying personal experiences and articulating feelings for better self-understanding, a well-written book, autobiography or memoir can go a long way. Something that must be lauded about the LGBTQI+ community is that we love to pave the way for future generations while also celebrating those who did the same for us in the past.

From irresistible romances to inspirational memoirs, read on to see some of our best picks of books that have inspired not only our generation but will also define and affect future generations too.

pexels/RODNAE Productions. LGBTQ+ literature pays tribute to the historical figures and trailblazers who paved the way for future generations with their fearlessness

TORREY PETERS - DETRANSITION, BABY

Three transgender and cisgender women cross paths after an unexpected pregnancy as author Torrey Peters masterfully navigates complex topics like gender and relationships in his best-selling novel.

The story revolves around characters like Reese, a transgender woman living in New York who reconnects with her former lover Ames. Previously known as Amy, Ames was a trans woman who detransitioned before meeting his girlfriend Katrina. After Katrina becomes pregnant, the trio decides to raise the child together as an unconventional family.

pexels/Monstera. Something that must be lauded about the LGBTQI+ community is that we love to pay it forward while also celebrating the past

RANDA JARRAR - LOVE IS AN EX-COUNTRY

In her novel “Love is an ex-country,” Randa Jarrar narrates the story of a proudly obese and queer Muslim woman who also happens to be Arab-American. Marred by her abusive childhood and the cultural hostility in the United States, Jarrar embarks on a cross-country trip as she sets off from California to her parents’ home in Connecticut.

Having survived abuse as a child and later as a wife and a single mother, Jarrar reclaims her own life and autonomy. In her non-linear and exceptionally-written tale, the author manages to magically paint a world that is both beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time while also speaking to any community or individual that has been disenfranchised and ignored.

pexels/Thought Catalog. A  well-written book, autobiography, or memoir can go a long way in conveying personal experiences

JACK GUINNESS (EDITOR) - THE QUEER BIBLE: ESSAYS

Model and queer activist Jack Guinness aimed to inspire and remind the LGBTQIA+ community of its history when he assembled a collection of essays in “The Queer Bible: Essays.” Featuring written work from famous LGBTQ+ representatives, the book talks about these writers’ own experiences and also about the queer people who influenced them in the past.

Written by quern icons, these essays pay tribute to the historical figures and trailblazers who paved the way for future generations with their fearlessness and daring stories. The iconic collection includes essays from legendary figures like Elton John, Paris Lees, Gus Kenworthy, and Tan France, among others.