Celebrating Identity, Stories, and Solidarity Through Books
Looking for Indian books to read for Pride Month? You’re in the right place. Pride Month isn’t just about parades, hashtags, or rainbow flags—it’s also a chance to listen, learn, and celebrate stories that haven’t always been on the centre stage. One of the best ways to do this? Through books that spotlight queer voices, especially from India.
This article is a guide for anyone who wants to explore the growing landscape of Indian queer writing. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, a parent looking to introduce inclusive books to your teens, or just a curious reader—you’ll find something here that speaks to you.
We’ll walk you through the evolution of queer literature in India, what Pride Month is really about, and answer a few FAQs for those who may be new to the topic. And yes, we’ll also give you a curated list of Indian queer books—from powerful memoirs and poetry to stories that are tender, raw, and real.
Unpacking Indian Queer Writing
Indian queer writing has gone through a quiet revolution. What once lived on the fringes has now made its way into mainstream shelves and bestseller charts. From autobiographical accounts to bold fiction, graphic novels to academic critiques—there’s an entire spectrum out there.
What’s beautiful is the range of voices: stories of coming out, stories of love, stories of shame, pride, pain, desire, resistance and joy. And they’re not just for queer readers. These books offer windows into lived experiences, helping anyone understand what it’s like to grow up queer in India, to navigate identity, family, friendships, and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pride Month
You might be wondering about the significance of Pride Month and the terminology surrounding it. Let’s clarify some common questions:
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is observed every June. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history that sparked a global movement for equal rights. But beyond the history, Pride is about visibility and acceptance. It’s a celebration of identities that don’t always fit into the conventional mould.
When is Pride Month?
Pride Month is observed every June. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history that sparked a global movement for equal rights. But beyond the history, Pride is about visibility and acceptance. It’s a celebration of identities that don’t always fit into the conventional mould.
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. Sometimes you’ll also see a + at the end, which includes other identities like asexual, intersex, pansexual, non-binary and more. It’s an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations.
Our Top 15 Indian Books to Read for Pride Month
Now, let’s dive into some incredible Indian books to read for Pride Month! Each of these titles offers a unique perspective and a compelling story that will resonate with every reader.
Non-Fiction & Cultural Insights
This compelling book revisits ancient Indian scriptures and philosophies to show how queer identities have long found space and respect within Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Pattanaik draws on mythology and spiritual texts to challenge modern biases and reclaim stories where queer lives are recognised as sacred and integral to Indian thought.
In this deeply personal memoir, Siddharth Dube traces his life as a gay man in India against the backdrop of a society shaped by colonial morality and restrictive laws. Blending personal experience with legal and historical insight, Dube tells a powerful story of love, resilience, and the fight for dignity.
A candid and affirming guide for gay men in India, this book offers advice on coming out, building relationships, and navigating everyday life with authenticity. Mahale’s warm and witty voice makes this both a practical handbook and a source of encouragement for anyone on the journey of self-acceptance.
by Neha Bhat
Through diary-style reflections, sex therapist Neha Bhat breaks down taboos around intimacy, sexuality, and desire. While not exclusively queer-focused, the book offers an inclusive, sex-positive lens that embraces all orientations and identities. A thought-provoking read on shedding shame and embracing one’s whole self.
by Vivek Tejuja
Tejuja’s memoir is a heartfelt recounting of his youth, marked by confusion, discovery, and strength. Growing up in a conservative society, he reflects on finding acceptance—within himself and from others—with honesty and vulnerability. A raw and moving story of survival, love, and finding one’s voice.
Fiction: Diverse Narratives and Voices
This delightful YA novel follows 12-year-old Nikhil as he comes into his own. Between school challenges and figuring out his identity, Nikhil learns to speak up and be proud of who he is. A warm, inclusive coming-of-age story for younger readers and beyond. It’s an important read for younger audiences and anyone seeking a positive and relatable queer coming-of-age story.
Set in a richly imagined fantasy world, this novel subtly explores themes of identity and love that defy convention. Through magical realism and layered characters, the book invites readers to think beyond binaries and embrace the beauty of difference. The characters navigate their desires and destinies, allowing for an expansive interpretation of love and belonging beyond conventional norms.
Happy Endings is a contemporary romance story featuring a queer protagonist juggling relationships, career, and personal aspirations. Sanghvi brings humour and heart to a fresh, relatable story set in modern India, spotlighting the joys and complexities of queer relationships. It is a celebration of the diverse forms of happiness and connection.
by Vasudhendra, translated by Rashmi Terdal
This short story collection centres on Mohanaswamy, a middle-aged gay man in Bangalore. The stories offer an honest, often humorous look at his everyday experiences—dating, family pressures, and the search for love—with sensitivity and insight. It chronicles the challenges and joys of gay life in urban India.
by Amruta Patil
A haunting graphic novel about Kari, a queer woman dealing with heartbreak and identity in a grey, gritty cityscape. Patil’s art and prose together paint an intimate portrait of love, loneliness, and quiet strength in the face of rejection. Patil portrays queer relationships with nuance and depth, particularly through Kari’s experiences with other women.
The Exiles is a powerful novel that explores themes of displacement, identity, and forbidden love. Spanning countries and cultures, the novel explores what it means to find home within oneself and others. Featuring queer characters, whose lives cross borders and expectations, it is a look into their journeys of self-discovery and their search for belonging amidst exile.
This captivating story delves into themes of art, identity, and defiance through the eyes of a young boy who finds his true self in the world of classical dance, a realm often associated with gender fluidity and expression. The narrative gently explores burgeoning self-awareness and the courage to pursue one’s passions.
By Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto
This lyrical novel is told from two perspectives: a brother and sister who both fall in love with the same mysterious man who comes to live with their family. Their intertwined stories explore desire and heartbreak, especially through the brother’s passionate love. A haunting, delicate look at longing that breaks the mold of traditional love stories.
This novel follows a young man seeking meaning in a foreign land, haunted by his past and conflicted about his identity. Quiet yet powerful, the story captures the ache of being different—culturally, emotionally, and sexually—while searching for connection and self-understanding.
Anthologies & Poetry
By Aditi Angiras and Akhil Katyal
This groundbreaking anthology brings together a diverse collection of queer poetry from South Asia, offering a powerful chorus of voices that explore love, desire, identity, and resistance. The poems range in style and theme, bringing together bold, tender, and truthful voices that reflect the wide spectrum of queer experiences in South Asia.
We hope this list of Indian books to read for Pride Month inspires you to explore the incredible depth and diversity of Indian queer writing. Each book offers a unique window into powerful stories, ensuring something for every reader.
