Reading queer historical fiction is so vital because for so long queer history has been overlooked, brushed aside, or simply never spoken. But the more I read and the more I learn, the more I’ve realized that my perceptions about queer people in the past are misconceptions and I’ve become hungry for more stories that imagine lives full of challenges and triumphs. These queer YA historical novels run the range from aspirational and slightly anachronistic to meticulously researched and heartbreakingly realistic, but I think all are truly necessary for inspiring us to have a more inclusive and open-minded perspective on history. For this list, I define historical fiction as anything that takes place before 1990, and I tried to stick with realistic fiction rather than fantasy (although there is one instance of time travel in this list). But all will hopefully offer new perspectives and a fascinating peek into queer lives of the past! Want more great queer YA historical fiction? Check out the anthology All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teen Throughout the Ages edited by Saundra Mitchell. And for some queer adult historical fiction, check out these fabulous recommendations of queer historical fiction for Pride month!
