Books & resources for LGBTQI+

The following is a list of recommended books and resources on wellbeing with a LGBTQI+ community focus. The Location(s) available column shows where these books are available, eg, from your local Christchurch City Library (CCL) and/or from the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC).

Books can be reserved online and checked out by visiting CCL or MHERC. If a book is not available, a librarian may be able to suggest another book or place a hold on a book. To borrow or place a hold on a book, you must be a member of the library. MHERC can post books and other resources out to its users, including those living in rural areas, and will include a post-paid bag for returning books. Once read, books need to be returned to the library.

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Cover

Title & Author

Description

Year

Location(s) available

S.E.X.: The All you need to know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High school and College

By Heather Corinna

Year: 2007

Subject: Youth

Have you ever wondered… Am I normal? (and what is “normal,” anyway?) What’s up down there? I really like girls, but I like boys sometimes, too. Am I gay, bisexual, or just messed up? Are we both really ready to have sex? Is it ok if I masturbate? I feel like I can’t ever say no to my partner. What’s the problem? Heather Corinna and Scarleteen.com have been providing sex education and information for young adults, parents, and mentors for nearly ten years. Whether you’re straight, gay, sexually active, or just plain curious, S.E.X. spells out everything you need to know, including: A sexual readiness checklist Illustrations of female and male reproductive anatomy How to love your body, even when it’s changing every day Tips on safer sex for body, heart, and mind An in-depth birth control breakdown How to create and enjoy the relationships that are right for you Popular mechanics of partnered sex: sexual activities explained, including pregnancy and STI risks STIs 101: what they are and how to keep yourself from getting them.

2007

Location

MHERC

When Our Children Come Out: How to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered young people

By Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli

Year: 2005

Subject: Youth

For many young people, the process of ‘coming out’ to their families, schools and communities can be very traumatic. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered young people wrestle – all too often in isolation – with the difficulties of being ‘different’. They need families, schools and communities to ‘come out’ with them; to provide support, understanding and affirmation; and to be their allies against homophobia. This valuable guide features the experiences of young people, parents, teachers and youth workers from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

2005

Location

CCL

MHERC

Promised Land

By C Harris and A Reynold

Year: 2018

Subject: Short Story on relationships

When a young Prince and a farm boy meet in the forest, a growing friendship between them blossoms into love. However, when the Queen re-marries, her sinister new husband seeks control of the enchanted forest and the land the farm boy’s family are responsible for protecting.

2018

Location

CCL

APTN Fact Sheet: Being Trans in Asia and the Pacific

Year: 2016

Being Trans in Asia and the Pacific

2016

Location

CCL

Introducing Teddy

By Jessica Walton

Year: 2016

Errol and his teddy, Thomas, are best friends who do everything together. Whether it’s riding a bike, playing in the tree house, having a tea party or all of the above, every day holds something fun to do together. One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can’t figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: ‘In my heart, I’ve always known that I’m a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly.’ And Errol says, ‘I don’t care if you’re a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend.’ A sweet and gentle story about being true to yourself and being a good friend, Introducing Teddy can also help children understand gender identity.

2016

Location

CCL

My Princess Boy

Cheryl Kilodavis

Year: 2011

A four-year-old boy loves dressing up in princess clothing. “A nonfiction picture book about acceptance … to give children and adults a tool to talk about unconditional friendship

2011

Location

CCL

Sex is a Funny Word

By Cory Silverberg

Year: 2015

This is ostensibly a sex-ed book for kids age 7-11, but the radical reframing of trans bodies as unexceptional, and worthy of line-by-line inclusion, provides people of all ages with gender-neutral ways of discussing anatomy as well as identity. Also, the book’s emphasis on consent, respect, justice, and self-determination make it a must-read for just about anyone. Even if readers are familiar with body parts and what sex is, there’s so much to learn about how to think about these fundamental realities that are rooted in radical queer politics.

2015

Location

CCL

It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity

By Theresa Thorn

Year: 2019

A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader from writer Theresa Thorn and illustrator Noah Grigni. Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.

2019

Location

CCL

They, She, He, Me – Free to Be!

By Maya Christina Gonzales

Year: 2017

Pronouns serve as a familiar starting point for kids and grown-ups to expand ideas about gender and celebrate personal expression with fun imagery that provides a place to meet and play.

2017

Location

CCL