LGBTQ

The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June with book and film recommendations and events for all ages. Through this Explore Topic, you can also find local and national LGBTQ+ resources and support that encompass the diversity of sexual and gender identities. Other resources include information on bullying, safety, and coming out; books and resources for parents and siblings; biographies of important LGBTQ figures in the community; and award-winning LGBTQ fiction.

LGBTQ

Links

  • AIDS Education Month

    Since 1994 Philadelphia FIGHT has hosted AIDS Education Month (AEM), a series of events throughout Philadelphia to increase AIDS awareness and to bring people together to find strategies to combat the virus.
  • BiUnity of Philadelphia

    The Philadelphia-area support network for bisexual people, their families, and friends.
  • CHOP: Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic

    The Gender and Sexuality Development Program offers psychosocial and medical support for gender nonconforming, gender expansive, and transgender children and youth up to age 21 and their families. #youth #health #family
  • ECYEH: Pennsylvania's Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

    Are you going through housing issues? Staying with friends or family? Couch surfing or housing hopping? Staying in a shelter? You could be eligible for services and resources through ECYEH like referrals for housing, uniforms, transportation, tutoring, and other services. #youth #crisis
  • Einstein Healthcare's Pride Program - LGBTQ+ Health

    Einstein's Pride Program in Philadelphia offers the LGBTQ community a professional, safe, and caring home for your healthcare needs. #health #family
  • Equality Advocates Pennsylvania

    Equality Advocates' mission is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in Pennsylvania through direct legal services, education, and policy reform.
  • Equality Forum

    Equality Forum undertakes high-impact initiatives, produces documentary films, highlights LGBT history, and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights forum.
  • Family Acceptance Project

    The Family Acceptance Project® is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV — in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities. #health #family #youth #parents #crisis
  • FORTUNE

    FORTUNE was formed as a Philadelphia-based publication project assembled by and for the queer and trans Asian community. #community
  • GALAEI

    GALAEI is a Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) radical social justice organization that provides and facilitates Queer educational services, and community wellness and is committed to healing historical harm. #youth #community
  • Gender Spectrum - Groups

    Gender Spectrum hosts free online groups for parents, caregivers, and other family members and adults. These groups provide you with the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and feel the comfort of a supportive community. #youth #family
  • Giovanni's Room

    Giovanni's Room, one of the oldest and more highly regarded gay and lesbian bookstores in the country, hosts many author events and is a great meeting place.
  • Gloria Casarez Residence

    Gloria Casarez Residence provides 30 LGBTQ-friendly affordable homes for young adults (ages 18-23 at entry) who are, have, or are at risk of experiencing homelessness, including those aging out of foster care. #crisis #community
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Welcoming Schools Initiative

    HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools Initiative is the nation's premier professional development program providing training and resources to elementary school educators to embrace all families, create LGBTQ and gender-inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.
  • Kooth

    Kooth is confidential online mental health support that’s at no cost for students of the Philadelphia School District. Chat with professionals, find support for others, read self-help articles, or try self-help tools — no referral needed, and totally anonymous. Professionals are available 3pm-11pm 7 days a week. #youth #crisis
  • LGBTQ Video Game Archive

    A curated/researched collection of information of LGBTQ content in digital games from 1980s-present
  • Mazzoni Center

    Mazzoni Center is located in Center City Philadelphia and has a range of LGBTQ-focused programs in healthcare, gender-affirming care, testing and prevention, and supportive services like a youth drop-in clinic. #health #family #youth #community
  • Morris Home

    Morris Home supports trans and gender non-conforming individuals as they develop the knowledge, skills, and supports necessary to promote sobriety, manage emotional and behavioral difficulties, choose and maintain safe and healthy lifestyles, and develop healthy relationships with peers, family, and the community. #crisis #health
  • Office of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia

    The Office of LGBT Affairs works to foster equal working and living conditions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and to advocate for LGBTQ issues in all areas of City government.
  • Penn Medicine - LGBTQ Health

    At the Penn Medicine Program for LGBTQ Health, we believe all patients have the right to high-quality, patient-centered health care that is equal and unbiased. We connect you with compassionate and skilled providers across the health system who offer culturally competent care in a judgment-free setting. #health #family #youth
  • PFLAG Philadelphia

    PFLAG Philadelphia is a partnership of parents, allies, and LGBTQ+ people working to make a better future for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Philadelphia AIDS Law Project

    The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit public-interest law firm providing free legal assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS and those affected by the epidemic.
  • Philadelphia Asian & Queer

    Philadelphia Asian & Queer (PAQ) is a volunteer, social organization that strives to engage queer (LGBTQIA+), Asian/Asian-American folks within the greater Philadelphia area. #community
  • Philadelphia Family Pride

    A nonprofit membership organization for LGBTQ+ led families in the greater Philadelphia region
  • Philadelphia FIGHT

    Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers provide culturally competent comprehensive primary care, and state of the art HIV primary care to low income members of the community, along with research, consumer education, advocacy, social services and outreach to people living with HIV and those who are at high risk, including family members, communities with high rates of HIV, formerly incarcerated persons, and young people at risk; and access to the most advanced clinical research in HIV treatment and prevention.
  • Philadelphia Gay News

    The Philadelphia Gay News is the area’s largest and oldest publication targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Started in 1976, PGN reaches, builds rapport with, and listens to our readers and supporters — as well as our critics.
  • Philly Gay Calendar

    Find out what's happening in Philadelphia's gay community along with a listing of local venues (bars, businesses, organizations, etc.)
  • Philly schools pass sweeping policy protecting transgender students

    "Without debate or comments from the public, the Philadelphia School Reform Commission adopted a policy on Thursday, June 16 that immediately allows transgender students to, among other things, be referred to by their pronoun of choice; use their bathroom of choice; and go out for the athletic team of their gender choice, either boys' or girls'."
  • PHL Pride Collective

    Founded in 2021, PHL Pride Collective is working to reimagine LGBTQ+ Pride events in Philly.
  • Serving All Library Families in a Queer and Genderqueer Way

    There are excellent resources for librarians who want to improve their services to LGBTQ patrons, and the American Library Association’s (ALA) Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) collects, creates, and promotes professional resources, and, importantly, administers the Stonewall Book Awards and yearly booklists that share the most current materials.
  • Stonewall Sports

    Stonewall Sports - Philadelphia provides organized recreational sports leagues, tournaments, health, education and social events to the greater Philadelphia diverse LGBTQIA+ community. We aim to provide a safe space for our members to build a community where participants can have fun and make new friends while playing sports for the first or 20th time. #community
  • The Attic Youth Center

    The Attic Youth Center creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society.
  • The Colours Organization, Inc.

    The COLOURS Organization offers a safe and comfortable meeting place for sexual minorities of color in the heart of Center City Philadelphia.
  • The Trevor Project

    The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources. They have a nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline. You can call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678. #youth #crisis
  • Trans Latin@ Coalition

    The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) advocates for the specific needs of the Trans Latin@ community that resides in the U.S.A. and to plan strategies that improve our quality of life.
  • Trans Lifeline

    Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people. #youth #crisis #health
  • Trans Parent USA

    Organizing experienced and knowledgeable resources to assist families with their child’s gender journey focusing on connection, resources, and visibility #family #parents #health #community
  • Transcribez: Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Youth Creative Writing Group

    Transcribez is a creative writing group for youth (ages 14–24) that identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming. No experience or expertise in writing is necessary. #youth #community
  • Transgender Law Center

    Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, we employ a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender-nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation. #family #parents #crisis
  • William Way Center

    Serving 15,000 LGBTQIA+ visitors annually, the William Way LGBT Community Center provides life-giving health, human service, social, and cultural services that help our community thrive.

LGBTQ+ Nonfiction (63 items)

Alice Dunbar-Nelson (27 items)

Free Library resources in support of the Rosenbach's Digital Exhibition: "I Am an American!" The Authorship and Activism of Alice Dunbar-Nelson

LGBTQ Middle Grade Books (46 items)

Books featuring LGBTQ characters and voices within children's fiction.

LGBTQ Picture Books (107 items)

Books for children of LGBTQ parents, or for little brothers and sisters of LGBTQ teens.

LGBTQ - Stonewall Book Awards (54 items)

The Stonewall Book Awards are given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience and include the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award, the Stonewall Book Awards – Barbara Gittings Literature award and the Stonewall Book Awards – Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Award.

Upcoming Events


Blog Posts

Introducing the Trans By Trans Book Club

More books are written by and for trans and nonbinary people than ever before, and the Free Library wants YOU to read them with us! Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a virtual citywide book club for trans and…

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Collection Spotlight: Exploring Queer Histories

In celebration of Pride Month , the Free Library’s Social Science and History Department is displaying books from the collection that give an overview of the study of queer history. LGBTQ+ people have always existed and will…

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Queer Signals: Symbolizing the Self

An act of creativity can be a freeing way to express myriad emotions surrounding our identities, and as such, they are a great way to celebrate Pride Month. Throughout June, the Free Library offers various  creative workshops…

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Black and Queer in Philadelphia: A Conversation

On Wednesday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m. , the Newspapers and Microfilm Center is proud to present Black and Queer in Philadelphia  — a program with Gary Hines in conversation with James Charles Roberts and Sappho Reynan…

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The Fleisher Collection in LGBTQ+ Cinema

The  Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music  at the Free Library of Philadelphia houses over 22,000 pieces. Works are available for loan to amateur and professional performance groups worldwide, and many motion picture…

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New Titles Coming to the Free Library in June

The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June with book and film recommendations and events for all ages! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman; illustrated by…

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Celebrate Pride Month with the Free Library

Every June the Free Library celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The Free Library aims to be a place where everyone belongs. We value the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender people and transgender youth, as one of many valued…

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OURfest, National Coming Out Day's First Parade and Festival!

Philadelphia will make history with the nation’s first parade and festival in honor of National Coming Out Day, and the Free Library is honored to take part! Named OURfest , the weekend-long celebration October 6–8 was…

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Manga 101: BL, GL, and Beyond

In our previous Manga 101 installment, we covered romance manga. This time, we’ll take a look at two subgenres of romance manga (BL and GL), as well as some non-romantic LGBTQ+ manga.  BL BL is an abbreviation for Boys’…

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Children's Books Featuring Trans and Non-Binary Characters

One thing I’ve enjoyed lately in my reading is getting to savor the explosion of LGBTQ+ characters who get to be out and themselves on the published page. It gives me great joy to offer these books featuring trans and nonbinary…

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10 Middle-Grade Titles for Pride Month

A perfect ten of terrific titles to accompany your celebrations during this Pride Month, this set of middle-grade tales tells us stories of discovery, decisions, determination, coping, and caring. Wednesday Wilson Gets Down to Business…

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Why Libraries Are So Important This Pride Month

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong — like something about you wasn’t right, or didn’t meet the expectations of others — and can you remember how that felt? What about when you were welcomed —…

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Create an Inclusive Workplace With These LGBTQ+ Friendly Business Titles

Pride month is a celebration of queer culture, joy, resilience, and strength. It's a reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come and how far we still have to go. Workplace environments can be an especially fraught place for…

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LGBTQ+ Authors on the Free Library Podcast

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the Free Library’s Author Events program has an extensive archive of podcasts and videos to help you celebrate a diverse range of writers working across a wide array of topics and fields. Before we…

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5 Philly LGBTQ+ Owned Small Businesses To Support This Pride Month

June is Pride month , which makes it the perfect time to learn about and support local, LGBTQ-owned businesses. Philly queer-owned businesses have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a yoga class, a tasty treat, or…

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The Free Library Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Every June the Free Library celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The Free Library aims to be a place where everyone belongs. We value the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender people and transgender youth, as one of many valued…

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Celebrate Pride and Support the Library With Free Library Pride Tees!

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with the Free Library of Philadelphia! We're celebrating LGBTQ+ lives, stories, and histories throughout June at the Free Library. Now, you can show off your Pride and support the library by purchasing…

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Dena's Favorite Books of 2022

Welcome to Year 11 of my annual list of favorite books and the third year of pandemic reading! I've started getting my reading mojo back and have been spending a bit more time reading than watching tv this year—268 books read…

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Empathy Versus Misinformation Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Empathy Versus Misinformation: Transgender Youth series of panels. There has been a lot of interest in transgender youth in the media, and yet so few easy ways to access reliable answers to…

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Empathy Versus Misinformation: Transgender Youth Panel Series

Lately, transgender and gender non-conforming youth have been a hot topic across the nation. Many people feel confused, even panicked, and it can be hard to tell what claims being made are even true. We've assembled a panel of…

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Podcasts