LGBTQIA+ Reading list, podcasts and studies
We Have Always Been Here- A Queer Muslim Memoir.
A memoir from a queer Muslim writer exploring identity, creativity and community. Often used in arts reading groups.
Trans Like Me
CN Lester, academic and activist, takes us on a journey through some of the most pressing issues concerning the trans debate: from pronouns to Caitlyn Jenner; from feminist and LGBTQ activists, to the rise in referrals for gender variant children - all by way of insightful and moving passages about CN's own experience.
'None of the Above' by Travis Alabanza
A must-read from a UK theatre artist and activist. Blends personal experience with social commentary.
The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye
Bold and well-researched, essential reading for artists seeking deeper political understanding of trans rights.
Loud Black Girls - Anthology edited by Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinené
Includes essays by queer writers and artists on identity, creativity and power.
Queer Intentions by Amelia Abraham
A modern look at global queer culture, with references to UK nightlife, arts, and freelance life.
The New Queer Conscience by Adam Eli
A compact, powerful manifesto on queer responsibility and solidarity. Great for thinking about collective action in creative spaces.
Transgender Resistance: Social Justice in Trans Activism by Laura Miles
Explores the history and politics of trans resistance, particularly in the UK. Written accessibly for organisers and creatives alike.
Care Work- Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Essential for queer artists navigating care, access, and disability justice. Empowers more inclusive and sustainable freelance practices.
Outspoken edited by Deborah Coughlin
A collection of speeches that chart queer history and advocacy, from artists, activists, and leaders. A brilliant inspiration resource.
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World by Alan Downs
A powerful book on shame, success, and creativity from a psychological and emotional perspective.
Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker & Jules Scheele
An illustrated crash course in queer theory, activism, and identity, accessible, fun, and visually engaging for creatives.
The Queer Art of Failure by Jack Halberstam
A classic academic text exploring how failure can be a radical, creative, and liberating space, especially relevant to queer artists.
Call Me Mother - Hosted by Shon Faye
Interviews with trailblazing queer elders and icons. Insightful for understanding queer legacy and storytelling.
Busy Being Black
A podcast exploring the depth of Black queer life and creativity. Hosted by Josh Rivers in the UK.
The Log Books
Stories from the LGBTQ+ helpline archive. Deep dive into UK queer history with connections to arts and activism.
QueerAF
Queer-led audio content platform and newsletter, supporting new LGBTQIA+ voices in journalism and podcasting.
My Non-Binary Life - This BBC podcast explores what it means to be non-binary, with reflections on creativity, identity, and daily life.
Come As You Are
Sex educator and bestselling author Emily Nagoski answers questions about sex with the latest science.
Queer Talk
UK-based podcast highlighting LGBTQIA+ voices across the creative industries and activism. Features freelancers, artists, drag performers and more.
Pink Protest Podcasts
Explores activism across gender, sexuality and identity. Often intersects with arts and culture. Created by a UK feminist/queer collective.
What the Trans!?
Trans-focused UK podcast exploring news, policy, and creative work by and for trans people. Features artists, journalists, and activists.
Things Musicians Don't Talk About
The podcast is about asking questions.
Bechdel Theatre podcast
Talking gender and representation on stage, with previews, interviews, reviews and a different guest every month.
Trans Creative Panel Recordings & Performances - Hosts a range of recorded discussions, digital performances, and trans-led workshops.
BFI Flare Film Archive - The UK's leading queer film festival. Many short films, talks and filmmaker interviews are archived online.
Young Vic LGBTQ+ Artist Interviews - Search their YouTube or blog for insights from queer artists they’ve collaborated with, often freelance creators.
Queer Britain YouTube Channel - Home to interviews, museum walkthroughs and oral histories from LGBTQ+ creatives across the UK.
Queer Circle Digital Commissions & Artist Talks - Hosts digital exhibitions and artist talks by LGBTQIA+ visual artists and curators.
AZ Magazine - Covers identity, creativity, and mental health from LGBTQIA+ PoC voices. Includes pieces by freelancers, artists, and performers.
Inkandescent Journal - Essays and interviews from underrepresented writers, often queer. Good source for insight on queer writing and theatre-making.
Queer Zine Library - An online archive of LGBTQIA+ zines from across the UK. Great for self-publishing inspiration and grassroots perspectives.
Gal-dem Archive (via British Library) - While gal-dem has closed, its writing lives on in archive. Lots of intersectional articles by and about queer artists of colour.
Creative Scotland Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Report - Includes insights on LGBTQIA+ artist experiences and access to opportunities. Useful for freelancers and producers.
Creative Majority (2022) Inclusive Cultures in the Creative Sector - A collaboration between the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (PEC), Jerwood Arts, and others. Looks at inclusion in the UK’s creative workforce, with insights into LGBTQIA+ experiences and barriers.
Equity’s LGBTQ+ Manifesto & Campaigns - While not a formal report, this outlines industry demands, discrimination issues, and Equity’s support structure for queer performers and creatives.
Arts Council England Equality Analysis (including sexual orientation & gender identity) - Part of ACE’s regular reporting; shows data on LGBTQIA+ representation among funded applicants, workforce, and audiences.
Stonewall & YouGov LGBT in Britain: Work Report (2018) - Looks at workplace discrimination and wellbeing, including for freelancers. While not arts-specific, findings are highly relevant to the creative sector.
Trans On Screen Research Report by TransCreative & Sheffield DocFest (2022) - An in-depth look at trans representation in UK screen media, includes performer and freelancer perspectives.
Fair Play: Addressing Equity in the Performing Arts (Runnymede Trust) - Focuses on race but intersects with gender and sexuality in the performing arts. Highlights systemic inequalities affecting LGBTQIA+.
Queer Displacements: Sexuality, Migration and Exile (2020) - Focuses on LGBTQIA+ forced displacement but includes sections on arts-based advocacy and cultural expression, useful for the intersection of art and migration.
UNESCO Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity (2022) - While global, includes chapters on gender and LGBTQIA+ rights in the cultural sector, showing best practices and policy ideas.
European LGBTQ+ Creative Toolkit (Creatives Unite) - Provides data and recommendations for cultural institutions to support LGBTQ+ creatives. Includes links to relevant UK organisations and case studies.