Famous gay authors

This list of LGBTQ writers includes writers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer or otherwise non-heterosexual, non-heteroromantic or non-cisgender who have written about LGBTQ themes, elements or about LGBTQ issues (such as Jonny Frank). Shrewd observers and lavish prose stylists, the writers on this list deserve your readership.

Their variously humane and hilarious portraits of queerness and same-sex love and lust—and the everyday lives of those who experience them—are illuminating, whether you’re gay, straight, or somewhere in between. Queer is both an identity in and of itself, and an umbrella term encompassing the LGBTQIA2S+ rainbow. Some people dislike the umbrella term, and some of the authors below are no longer with us to ask.

But we’ve got to start somewhere, and we’ve got to end at some point. From the delicate art form of the semi-autobiographical novel — a life story veiled behind fictional names and twists — to the roar of poetry to a deep dive into the history that has too often been erased and purged, queer literature has helped to challenge, move, and shape generations of readers. Poetry brings love to life and these incredible poets immortalized their love in their writings.

Though many were afraid of persecution and hid their sexual orientation, others boldly came out in a time when homosexuality was completely condemned. Here we take a look at 10 of the greatest gay or.

gay writers 21st century

Including work from Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein , this collection highlights ten classic books by gay authors that you need to read. Explore the powerful narratives and enduring legacies of these remarkable queer writers. Aiming to capture the diverse array of queer love stories throughout history, Queer Correspondence immortalises the work of gay authors whose words continue to resonate and inspire.

The first queer writer on our list is Sappho , an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. Our collection of her work, Ode to Aphrodite , stands as a quintessential example of her poetic prowess. In the titular poem, Sappho directly addresses the goddess Aphrodite, pleading for assistance in matters of the heart. Her intimate expressions of longing and desire have resonated through the ages, placing her as a significant figure in both queer literature and the broader literary canon.

Relaxed supine upon it, Might give her lips to me. Lord Byron is renowned for his bold and expressive literary style. A prominent figure in the Romantic era, his life was marked by a series of scandalous relationships and well-publicised affairs with both men and women. The poem is distinguished by its sharp wit, playful narrative, and incisive commentary on social norms and human nature.

An enigmatic and prolific queer poet, Emily Dickinson is renowned for her innovative and introspective verse. Her collected poems delve into themes of nature, death, immortality, and the inner workings of the human mind. Although she lived a solitary life, rarely engaging in society, Dickinson formed a close bond with Susan Huntington Gilbert.

The next author on our list of queer writers is one of much speculation. She maintained close relationships with women throughout her life, and her correspondence and diaries contain expressions of affection towards women that some interpret as evidence of her queer identity. However, many individuals navigating their own identities have found solace and insight reading her writings through a queer lens.

Little Women is a timeless novel chronicling the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges and joys of growing up. Through the spirited and independent Jo, Alcott subtly explores themes of gender roles and societal expectations. Michael Field , the pseudonym of Katherine Harris Bradley and Edith Emma Cooper, was a poetical duo whose Poems of Adoration reflect their deep emotional and romantic connection.

Their work is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, intense passion, and exploration of love and devotion. Their unique collaboration and powerful verse continue to intrigue and move readers, establishing their place in the literary world. Against the world, to be Poets and lovers evermore. In this deeply personal work, Wilde contemplates his suffering, the nature of his love, and the profound impact of his experiences in his life and art.

Love is a sacrament that should be taken kneeling. Housman was a queer writer celebrated for his poignant poetry. His work is noted for its melancholic tone and evocative imagery, capturing the bittersweet nature of life. Through simple yet poignant language, Housman explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and loss, sparking discussions regarding his sexual orientation. His potential romantic attachments to men, particularly his intense infatuation with his Oxford classmate, Moses John Jackson — , are well-documented in his letters and biographical accounts.

Housman, More Poems , The partnership between Gertrude Stein — and Alice B. Toklas — left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of the early twentieth century. Their relationship, which spanned nearly four decades, was characterised by mutual love, respect, and collaboration.