Celebrating Queer, Disabled Joy
2SLGBTQ+ people exist all year round, but we don't always feel like we belong in parts of society. That's why Pride Month is so important to so many people. Rainbow flags take centre stage on social media and in the streets. There is no dispute that this visibility is important for the community. But some queer communities can feel alienated during Pride. If we don't stick to certain stereotypes, we can feel invisible even in a month meant to increase 2SLGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion and awareness. This is something the writers of the blog post – three queer, disabled staff members – know only too well. (And before we go further, we prefer identity-first language, so we’ll use “disabled people” throughout the post. This differs from TPL, which uses people-first language when writing about disability.)
In fact, many queer disabled people feel invisible in the world and within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Pop culture representations of the community rarely include disabled people. Not only are our bodies often judged undesirable, but the spaces in which we celebrate Pride are often not accessible to us. We are often required to jump through ableist hoops just to be included. It gets even more complicated if our disabilities are not immediately obvious, forcing us to prove that we are actually disabled. For example, we face barriers if we communicate in a way that non-disabled people are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with, such as using sign language or augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices.
2SLGBTQ+ issues – especially those linked to intellectual freedom and libraries – are hypervisible this year. Public and school libraries across Canada and the United States are frequently challenged for 2SLGBTQ+ materials in their collections and related programming. TPL's response to the challenges reiterated its commitment to protecting and defending intellectual freedom across its collections, programs and spaces. The Library Board also issued a statement of support. It's vital to highlight the books in our collection that reflect the lives of the diverse members of our community, including disabled people.
Living at the intersection of queerness and disability is challenging. We often have to fight to take up space to exist in a culture that would prefer to hide both aspects of our identities. We face discrimination and struggle but also experience happiness, love and acceptance. We find joy in being our authentic selves. We find joy in our strong community of peers and chosen family. There is joy in our lives, rarely reflected in media or literature. For some of us, this joy is expressed in non-traditional ways such as stimming, which happens when we experience so much joy that we can't contain it! With this in mind, we have selected a list of books that don't just focus on the challenges we face but also the joys we experience.
To our fellow queer disabled people: this Pride Month you deserve to be seen for exactly who you are. We see you and want you to know that you belong – always.
Select any of these options to jump to a section, or keep scrolling.
- Recommended Children's Titles
- Recommended Young Adult Titles
- Recommended Adult Titles
- Pride Collection
- Accessibility Services
Children's Titles
It Feels Good To Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn
Young readers are introduced to the concept of gender identity, learning that some people are boys, some are girls and some are both, neither or somewhere in between. Through child-friendly language and vibrant illustrations, this book helps children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
They, She, He, Easy as ABC by Maya Christina Gonzalez and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez (print only)
In this joyously illustrated ABC book, inclusive pronouns are seamlessly integrated as 26 diverse kids showcase their dance moves, challenge stereotypes and celebrate inclusion.
The Amazing Edie Eckhart by Rosie Jones
Edie Eckhart might be a little bit wobbly — but she's not going to let that stop her! When she and her best friend Oscar are placed in different classes at their new school, Edie must navigate school and independence while discovering her own passions. This book offers a multifaceted portrayal of disability and sexuality rarely seen in children's novels, creating an uplifting and relatable story for young readers.
Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass
Follow thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz, who is neurodivergent, as she navigates changing friendships during a school trip to Barcelona. With relatable characters, including a new nonbinary classmate, the book explores themes of self-discovery and how to embrace life's unpredictability. This story showcases diverse identities and thoughtfully explores neurodiversity.
The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill
Apprentice blacksmith Greta discovers a lost tea dragon and learns about the dying art of tea dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners. Greta's world becomes enriched through the friendships she forms. The Tea Dragon Society features many diverse and memorable characters, including two characters with distinct disabilities. Minette has short- and long-term memory loss and Erik uses a wheelchair.
We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire and Eduardo Trejos (print only)
This vibrant and inclusive book showcases how people overcome obstacles and form meaningful relationships. Through the lens of a mixed-ability group of kids, it celebrates disability culture and community.
Will on the Inside by Andrew Eliopulos (print only)
When dedicated soccer player Will is sidelined from the season – and his friend group – due to complications from Crohn's disease, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Young Adult Titles
A Million Quiet Revolutions by Robin Gow
In small Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Aaron and Oliver, two seventeen-year-old trans boys, find solace and inspiration in each other. When Aaron moves away, they delve into hidden queer histories to find comfort and understand their own love.
The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose
This guide is designed to support autistic trans teens in living their authentic lives. Through explanations, tips and activities, it covers topics such as coming out, masking, gender identities, changing names and overcoming common challenges. Emphasizing self-value and empowerment, this user-friendly resource encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and thrive.
Azar on Fire by Olivia Abtahi
The second book the Perfectly Parvin series features Azar, an extremely quiet high-schooler. Azar isn't quiet because she's shy – she's dealing with a chronic and invisible disability affecting her vocal chords. The temptation of winning the local Battle of the Bands pulls Azar out of her shell as she forms her own band. The competition sees her developing a crush while navigating friendships, her Iranian-American identity and her demisexuality.
Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham
In the haunted town of Blackwater, Maine, two boys forge an unlikely friendship and unravel a paranormal mystery while navigating werewolf curses, high school drama and ghostly encounters.
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
Bastián and Lore, two non-binary teens with a shared history in the world beneath a magical lake, must work together to prevent its secrets from surfacing and endangering their lives. As the boundaries between the two realms blur, they face the challenge of overcoming their past and trusting each other with the truths they aim to conceal.
Adult Titles
Just By Looking at Him by Ryan O'Connell
From the star of Queer as Folk and the Netflix series Special comes a candid and refreshing novel that follows Elliott, a gay TV writer with cerebral palsy, as he confronts addiction and seeks acceptance in an ableist world.
Màgòdiz by Gabe Calderón
In a post-war world, a diverse group of survivors come together to reclaim their cultural and spiritual legacy. They strive to save what remains of their world as they navigate friendship love, and resistance in this powerful and visionary Indigenous futurism novel.
The Weekend: A Novel by Jane Eaton Hamilton
Hamilton dives into the complexities of contemporary queer love. Weekend explores themes of trust, negotiation and the essence of love in middle age.
Pride Collection
Browse The Pride Collection, which comprises fiction and nonfiction about the culture, history and life experience of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. While there are 2SLGBTQ+ materials available at all branches, the most complete collection is held at Yorkville branch.
Accessibility Services at TPL
TPL strives to make our spaces, services and collections welcoming for everyone. Find out more about accessibility at the library.
This blog was written by Denise, Emily B and Francis.
One thought on “Celebrating Queer, Disabled Joy”
Thanks for the book recs, especially Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass & The Amazing Edie Eckhart by Rosie Jones.
My favorite quote:
“For some of us, this joy is expressed in non-traditional ways such as stimming, which happens when we experience so much joy that we can’t contain it!” The link to the article on stimming was great!