Gay historical fiction
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Unlike many queer novels of the time, it ends on a hopeful note. Something is going to give, and if Margaret and Wesley don’t figure out how to move forward, it may be their own lives that become the tragedy.
Exquisite Things by Abdi Nazemian
Release date: September 23, 2025
Living under the shadow of Oscar Wilde’s trial for gross indecency, Shahriar has to believe he was born in the wrong time.
Madeline Miller beautifully combines myth with history to explore the deep emotional and romantic bond between two men in a time when such relationships were both celebrated and fraught with peril. This list of the best LGBT historical fiction includes a mix of newer releases and older standouts—some I’ve read and loved, and a few that are still waiting patiently (or not-so-patiently) on my TBR.
From slow burns and forbidden romances to stories of resilience and chosen family, these books bring the past to life through a beautifully queer lens. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
Another of Waters’ celebrated works, Tipping the Velvet explores the theatrical and underground queer scene of Victorian London. But still, he’s not exactly free to live fully as himself.
Doris knows she doesn’t want to have a baby, but will one weekend be enough time to figure out what she does want?
The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf by Isa Arsén
Shakespearean actors Margaret and Wesley play their roles on stage and at home, and they play them well. Only by reading widely and diversely can we even begin to get a more authentic look at the past.
Though controversial at the time, Vidal’s frank depiction of a young man’s search for love and identity laid the groundwork for modern gay historical fiction.
Conclusion
These 18 novels highlight the rich and varied experiences of gay characters throughout history. Vance helps Sal confront the trauma in his past, and Vance’s friend Ella, a Black trans woman, shows Charo what it looks like to be true to yourself.
The novel is a witty and refreshing take on queer history, blending humor, romance, and action, while addressing the challenges of being queer in the past.
16. TikTok is an engine for consumerism, but somehow, it’s managed to plant a seed in my brain that goes against its own interests. The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning
Set during World War II and post-war years, this novel follows a young English woman who becomes entwined with a Japanese woman and a gay British soldier.
Soon, Oscar and Squire’s romance has the three of them forming a new kind of relationship, one with Oscar and Squire in the front and Vivian operating things behind the scenes.
Of course, for some of us, underconsumption is an economic necessity. With relatable characters and heartfelt moments, this story is all about the twists and turns of romance that remind us that every love story doesn't need to be perfect to be real.
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Hugh: A Hero without a Novel by David Lawrence
Tagged As:
georgian romance, 18th century, satirical comedy, coming of age, queer bildungsroman, aristocratic hero, literary pastiche, philosophical themes, Tom Jones inspired, historical comedy, self-discovery, witty dialogue, standalone, HEA
Plot Summary:
This emotionally charged novel follows Hugh through a transformative period of his life, exploring themes of loss, identity, and the search for authentic connection.
These novels include stories about devastation, joy, and queer perseverance. I’ve been searching for stories that not only capture the richness of the past but also center LGBTQ+ voices that've too often been erased from it. Over the years, I’ve read some incredible LGBTQ+ historical novels that have stuck with me, whether because of the unforgettable characters, the emotional depth, or the way they spotlight queer lives in eras that often tried to silence them.
Isherwood’s elegant prose and nuanced character study offer a compelling look at grief and isolation in gay life.
5.
Author and Rioter Susie Dumond gives deeper insight into what makes this novel great in: “A Sparkling Historical Fiction Novel About Queer Life in Gilded Age New York.”