12 best lgbt historical fiction

LGBT historical fiction is a literary genre that explores LGBTQ+ themes and characters within historical settings. It combines elements of both historical fiction and LGBTQ+ literature to tell stories that reflect the experiences and challenges faced by queer individuals throughout history. These novels often shed light on hidden or marginalized aspects of LGBTQ+ history, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of queer people in different time periods and cultures.

Here are some notable examples of LGBT historical fiction books:

1. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde (1890): This classic novel explores themes of homosexuality in Victorian England through its protagonist, Dorian Gray.

2. "Stone Butch Blues" by Leslie Feinberg (1993): Set in the 1960s and 1970s, this novel follows the life of a butch lesbian named Jess Goldberg, providing insight into the struggles faced by gender non-conforming individuals during that era.

3. "Tipping the Velvet" by Sarah Waters (1998): This novel is set in Victorian England and follows the journey of a young woman named Nan King as she discovers her lesbian identity and becomes involved in the underground world of the music hall.

4. "The Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters (2002): Another work by Sarah Waters, this book is set in Victorian England and tells the story of a young woman named Sue Trinder who becomes embroiled in a complex plot involving a wealthy woman and a family of thieves.

5. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller (2011): This novel reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in ancient Greece, highlighting the love between these two legendary figures.

6. "Gentleman Jack" by Sally Wainwright (2019): While not a book, this TV series is based on the life of Anne Lister, a 19th-century landowner and diarist who was a lesbian. It offers a historical perspective on her life and relationships.

These books and others in the genre provide readers with a window into the LGBTQ+ experience in different time periods and settings, often challenging societal norms and shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals throughout history.