Wondering which LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024? These seven authors all have book releases this year, and some even have releases to watch for in 2025!
Diversifying your bookshelf isn’t just for Pride Month. Whether you’re part of the queer community or a strong ally, adding more LGBTQ voices to your reading list can add a refreshing perspective. There are a few LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024, in particular. Some are releasing debut novels, while others put much-awaited second books on shelves or added to a larger collection.
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Our LGBTQ Authors Selections
- Emma Copley Eisenberg
- Garrard Conley
- K. Ancrum
- Rafael Frumkin
- Temim Fruchter
- Venita Blackburn
- Zoë Bossiere
- BONUS: How to publish an LGBTQ book
Dozens of queer authors published books in 2024, from new novelists to old hands at non-fiction and long-awaited memoirs. Choosing LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024 is like choosing the best LGBTQ books of 2024 – it’s almost impossible to pick just a few!
In the end, the authors that made this list are ones who have books that are much anticipated or already well-beloved, and who have had a strong impact on their community through their writing. Each author on this list brings something unique, so we’ve alphabetized it, rather than ranking them.
Remember, this list is by no means comprehensive! More and more LGBTQ authors are making their voices heard through books every day, and each voice can have a powerful impact.
Emma Copley Eisenberg (she/her)
Emma Copley Eisenberg is one of the LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024, releasing her debut novel this year. She’s also a strong advocate against fatphobia, speaking and writing about how it impacts our daily lives. Her book Housemates came out on May 28, 2024, and has already gotten glowing reviews from readers.
It’s no surprise since Housemates isn’t Eisenberg’s first book. She published The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia in 2020. This first book was a hybrid memoir and earned high critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR.org, Oprah Magazine, and many others.
Garrard Conley (he/him)
Garrard Conley is an activist, speaker, and author. His second book and first novel All the World Beside was released in March of 2024. And while he definitely is one of the LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024, he’s by no means a brand new, up-and-coming author.
Conley’s first book Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family was published in 2016 to tremendous popular and critical acclaim. In 2018, it was made into a major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Conley helped with screenwriting for the film and has since also started a podcast called UnErased, where he explores and discusses the history of conversion therapy in the United States.
Conley has a rich background in education, both in his community and around the world. Previously, he was an HIV/AIDs education and ESL instructor with the Peace Corps and taught in several writing workshops. Currently, he lectures and speaks at schools throughout the country and holds an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing position at Kennesaw State University.
K. Ancrum (she/her)
K. Ancrum is a young adult author and intersex individual who is passionate about diverse, inclusive stories. Her previous novels have rave reviews from readers and are award-winners in the YA genre. In March 2024, Ancrum released her fifth novel, Icarus.
Like her previous novels, Icarus explores topics around identity, community, mental health, and queerness. Ancrum is currently working on several other books with release dates to be announced, definitely making her one of the LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024 and beyond!
Rafael Frumkin (he/him)
As a non-binary transmasc author, Rafael Frumkin brings a unique perspective to his work. In 2024 he released his first story collection, Bugsy & Other Stories, which was shortly followed by the novel Confidence. The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and others have praised Bugsy for its intimate depiction of the characters’ inner struggles.
His debut novel The Comedown was written before his transition and garnered similar praise. It’s currently being adapted into a TV series, but the release date is still forthcoming. Frumkin’s electric works make him one of the clearest choices for our list.
Temim Fruchter (she/her)
Temim Fruchter’s debut novel City of Laughter was released in January of 2024 and has been described as one of the most anticipated book releases of 2024. Temim’s past stories have won several awards, and City of Laughter already has solid ratings and reviews from readers.
Fruchter is an outspoken advocate, and her work explores the intersection of Judaism and queerness. Much of the praise for her work celebrates its intertwining of reality and folklore, as well as her rich imagery. She has hinted at more stories in the works in interviews, so keep an eye out for what she produces next!
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Venita Blackburn (she/her)
Another author with multiple award-winning short stories publishing a debut novel, Venita Blackburn is definitely one of the top LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024. Dead in Long Beach, California was published in January of 2024 and explores topics of grief, history, and sapphic romance.
Prior to publishing this novel, Venita was known for snappy short stories, but Dead in Long Beach, California proves she has an impressive range of talents. Venita is dedicated to sharing her talents through Live, Write, the organization she founded to provide free writing workshops to communities of color to help uplift their voices.
Zoë Bossiere (they/she)
Zoë Bossiere is a trans, genderfluid author from Arizona who published a debut memoir in May of 2024. Cactus Country: A Boyhood Memoir is a striking coming-of-age story about the author’s own experiences growing up in a trailer park in Tucson.
Zoë is an accomplished essayist, and they’ve edited two anthologies alongside other authors: The Lyric Essay as Resistance: Truth from the Margins, published in 2023, and The Best Of Brevity: Twenty Groundbreaking Years Of Flash Nonfiction, published in 2020.
Cactus County has been selected as an INDIE NEXT title and promises to make Zoë one of the top LGBTQ authors to watch in 2024!
How to publish an LGBTQ book
Figuring out how to choose a genre when you’re publishing a debut novel like the authors on this list can be tough. These authors work in a variety of genres, from memoir to thriller to YA. LGBTQ fiction is one of the most popular book genres on Amazon, but traditional publishers may not recognize it as a genre.
This is one thing that gives self-publishing an edge over traditional publishing – authors have more freedom to be specific about what kind of audience they’re looking to reach. LGBTQ authors might write thrillers, memoirs, or romance, but they all center queer voices and queer experiences. And for the queer community and allies, finding that is just as important as finding a particular genre.
Great artists have the capacity to inspire. All of the LGBTQ authors we’ve highlighted today have talked in interviews or on their websites about work that inspired them. As you diversify your bookshelf and explore new authors and genres, you might find that you’re ready to be the next LGBTQ author to watch! If that’s the case, remember that your voice matters.
You can publish your new LGBTQ novel, memoir, or anthology, and you have lots of options! Whether you go the traditional publishing route or choose to self-publish, the most important thing you can do is write your story.
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LGBTQ Fiction FAQ
What queer book should I read next?
Consider reading “Housemates” by Emma Copley Eisenberg or “Icarus” by K. Ancrum. Both offer unique perspectives and have received glowing reviews.
Who are some notable queer writers in 2024?
Emma Copley Eisenberg, Garrard Conley, K. Ancrum, Rafael Frumkin, Temim Fruchter, Venita Blackburn, and Zoë Bossiere are some notable queer writers to watch in 2024.
What is the LGBT fiction genre?
LGBT fiction focuses on LGBTQ+ characters and themes, exploring their lives, relationships, and experiences. It can span across various sub-genres like romance, thriller, memoir, and more.
Who was the first queer author?
It’s hard to pinpoint the first queer author, but a famous early example is Sappho, a Greek poet from the 7th century BCE, known for her lyric poetry about love and women.
What are the benefits of LGBTQ books?
LGBTQ books offer representation, foster understanding, and provide a voice for the queer community. They can educate, inspire, and connect readers to diverse experiences and perspectives.
