Sparked by reading Queer Life, Queer Love, a dazzling anthology published by Muswell Press that showcases 43 writings (short stories, poetry, and narrative non-fiction) by exceptional LGBTQI+ voices, this Collection celebrates a selection of books by outstanding transgender and non-binary writers (Queer Life, Queer Love is published in memory of Lucy Reynolds, the trans daughter of Sarah Beal, publisher at Muswell Press, and niece of co-publisher Kate Beal). From contemporary soon-to-be-classics, to remarkable memoirs, to compelling coming-of-age masterworks, these books will variously grip, move, enthral, and entertain. And some of them might just change the way you think. 

Bestselling writer and video artist Akwaeke Emezi is a true tour de force of contemporary literature. Dear Senthuran, their remarkable memoir in letters, is at once intimate, honest, spiritual and brutal, while Pet, written for young adults, tells the incisively inventive story of a Black trans teen fighting to save the world from monsters that no one else will admit exist (Emezi’s talents are nothing but versatile). Sticking with the memoir theme, Jackson Bird’s Sorted is a soulfully warm and witty account of the author’s coming-of-age and coming to terms with his gender and bisexuality. It’s a beautiful, big-hearted book.

In Transitional, a life-affirming, heartfelt and intimate book, activist and model Munroe Bergdorf shares reflections from her own life to illustrate how transitioning is an essential part of all of our lives. Through the story of one woman's extraordinary mission to live with authenticity, Transitional shows us how to heal, how to build a stronger community and how to evolve as a society out of shame and into pride.

If short stories are more your thing, Juliet Jacques’ Variations is a treasure trove of tales about trans lives in Britain from Oscar Wilde’s trial, to contemporary times. Though the stories are all informed by real-life events, and variously explore themes of friendship, community and identity, each of them takes an entirely different style and format, making it utterly unique as well as utterly engaging.

Before we leave you to explore the Collection, mention must be made of one of our LoveReading favourites - award-winning writer, journalist and Stonewall School Role Model Juno Dawson. Juno’s journalism and non-fiction are always whip-smart and compassionately informative (and funny with it), while her fiction for young adults is dynamic, deep and delivered as irresistible blasts of dialogue-driven novels that thrill, chill, and quicken the pulse - no matter what your age.