Books at the Library
Check out these lists of some of the many fiction and nonfiction books we have at EPL that include characters with diverse gender identities and orientations or that discuss topics relevant to LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Each list is divided by the collection where the titles are located. Click the underlined call numbers next to each title to read a description of the book and see if it's available. You can also search our online catalog for more books.
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Queer Books for Teens
This is a great site with a HUGE, searchable bibliography for anyone interested in YA literature with significant LGBTQ+ content. Note: the site states that they have worked to make it as comprehensive as possible, and not all of the titles have positive representation. They have included common trigger warnings to help with this. Try it out!
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The Queer Umbrella
What does LGBTQ stand for? See what the letters mean and how they relate.
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Coming Out
Read about the process of identifying, accepting, and choosing to share about one's own gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as being supportive if someone comes out to you.
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LGBTQ Inclusive Language
Learn some alternatives to outdated phrases that uplift instead of stigmatize.
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Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Founded in 1990 by a group of teachers, GLSEN empowers student-led initiatives, provides developmentally appropriate resources to activate supportive educators, and strives to ensure safe learning environments for LGBTQ+ students.
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GSA Network
GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans, and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.
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Healthcare Info with Out2Enroll
Out2Enroll is a national initiative launched in September 2013 to connect LGBT people and our families, friends, and allies with the new health insurance coverage options available under the Affordable Care Act.
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Human Rights Campaign
Being supported at home, in school and in the community is important for all children and youth – especially LGBTQ youth. From creating an inclusive learning environment for students — whether a student is in the process of transitioning, or she has two moms — to understanding the challenges and resiliency of LGBTQ youth, HRC provides a wealth of resources for support.
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It Gets Better
The It Gets Better Project envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals, and its website provides videos, articles, and resources meant to help uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.
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LGBTQ Student Resources & Support
Within this guide, LGBTQ students can find resources and information about support systems available to help them navigate both high school and college environments.
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Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois
The main purpose of Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois, a 501(c)(3) organization, is to promote unity, viability and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer persons and to promote a positive image in the Metro East area and throughout the Southwestern Illinois community activities and services.
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Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
The PFLAG mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ people.
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Point Foundation
Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
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Safe Schools Coalition
Safe Schools Coalition, located in Washington State, is a public-private partnership, in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, queer and questioning youth, working to help schools become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
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Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
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The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25.
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