The days are getting shorter. If you're currently looking for queer stories, you can choose to leave the TV off. Because the world of books also has a lot to offer on same-sex love.
Whether the plot should rather revolve around problems, love or the normal madness within the community is, of course, up to everyone.
The following works have been on the market for some time and have since managed to build up a veritable fanbase.
Two Boys Kissing - Every Second Counts
In "Two Boys Kissing - Every Second Counts" everything revolves around Craig and Harry. They kiss for more than 32 hours in order to break the world record for "long-term kissing".
What's particularly exciting is that the author manages to captivate readers from the very first page, and that (of course) the book is about much more than setting a kissing record.
"Two Boys Kissing" speaks out sometimes louder, sometimes quieter, but always vehemently against homophobia and gives the appearance that it is quite "allowed" to believe in a world without hate.
The left hand of darkness
With "The Left Hand of Darkness" the reader is taken away - to another planet. This is called "Gethen" and is inhabited by beings that are not too different from humans. Only the fact that there are no different genders on Gethen is surprising. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is exactly why many problems can be avoided or don't arise in the first place.
The question that hovers over everything is: How does human thinking in terms of gender ensure that some can be favored and others disadvantaged. Also ideal for anyone who likes to discuss the plot with their friends after reading a book.
The song of Achilles
If you fancy a mix of history and modernity, you shouldn't miss "The Song of Achilles". Here, everything revolves around - as the book's title suggests - Achilles and his lover Patroclus. And although the book was written only a few years ago, it is comparatively easy to immerse yourself in the time of the gods.
Nevertheless, background knowledge is not required. Instead, the author relies on a self-explanatory, emotional and - at times - very passionate plot.
Giovanni's room
"Giovanni's Room" is set in Paris in the 1950s. This is where David meets Giovanni. Both start an affair with each other and especially David is not clear about his feelings for a long period of time. Maybe because he is actually engaged to a woman and doesn't dare to stand by himself?
When Giovanni also dies, his world collapses.
Queer Heroes
Queer Heroes offers a - literally - colorful mix about queer people who have shaped their generation in a variety of ways and, accordingly, become role models for the community.
In total, the book tells the stories of more than 50 people. Among them are those of Freddie Mercury and Michelangelo.
Mouth full of unsaid things
In "A Mouthful of Things Left Unsaid" everything revolves around Sophie. She was abandoned right after her birth and later virtually forced to move with her father to his new girlfriend in another city.
At some point, in the midst of the emotional chaos, she falls in love with Alex, the girl next door, and realizes that life can actually be very, very beautiful after all.
Last, but not least: Brokeback Mountain
Not much needs to be said about this book title. Those who know the movie will probably love the written version. The story between Jack and Ennis has been warming hearts for years... And is equally one of the most emotional stories of the genre. Unfulfilled longings meet a lot of passion.
By the way, Britain is accepting queer Afghans.