iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

If you'd like to be included, fill out the form at the link below. You are welcome to submit multiple books; however, you'll have to complete a separate form for each title. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lea Anne at marketing@humankindinitiative.org. forms.gle/DrdMLuhyXcu7...

forms.gle

HumanKIND Initiative Online Library: Indie Authors

HumanKIND Initiative is putting together an online library of books written by LGBTQIA+ authors: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc. Because LGBTQIA+ voices are frequently excluded from traditi...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Books do not have to feature LGBTQIA+ content, but they must be written by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Intersectionality is fantastic! We want our library to include as many diverse voices as we can. No AI-generated content will be included. This includes text and graphics.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We will not take any commissions, run a shop, promote sales, or otherwise participate in selling your book. It is strictly a list of books.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The purpose of this project is to be an online resource for people specifically looking for LGBTQIA+ titles. Books will be listed on our website at www.humankindinitiative.org with title, author, cover, relevant representation, and links to where readers can learn more and/or buy the book.

humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative

Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

HumanKIND Initiative is putting together an online library of books written by LGBTQIA+ authors. These voices are frequently excluded from traditional publishing, so we are dedicating an entire section of the library to indie and self-published authors. Is this you? THEN READ ON

graphic of a library table with shelves full of books in the background and one book fanned open on the table. An illustrated writer in a hat and scarf sits at the table, writing in a notebook. Text says: Coming Soon, HKI Online Library

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Are you ready to get loud? HKI's popular open mic night returns this Friday, June 26, at 7 pm. Bring your voice, your ears, and your heart to The Center (1660 N 2501st Rd in Ottawa), and get ready to live OUT LOUD.

Out Loud open mic night
Every 4th Friday, 7 pm
Telling your story is a powerful tool. Whether you are part of the Community or an ally, come and let your voice be heard.
Every 4th Friday at The Center. Tell a story, read a poem, sing. JUST DO IT OUT LOUD.

The Center, 1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

The link to these designs, and the rest of our merch, is below. Wait until you see the new items SS Shirts & More is bringing to Pride this year!! Custom laser engravings, journals, hats...they are ready to go! www.ssshirtsnmore.com/collections/...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We are less than 40 days away from Pride Fest, and our new 2026 Pride Tees are ready for purchase! Fan of cryptids? Pick your favorite and place your order (color selections on the website). These can ship nationwide, or you can pick them up right here in Ottawa at SS Shirts N More.

Green loch ness monster cartoon with purple hair, pink nails, and a rainbow butterfly on its back. Text says Believe in yourself

Rainbow bigfoot silhouette that says No More Hiding: Believe In Yourself

Kraken drawing with rainbow splatter, red framed glasses, and pink hair. Text says Believe in Yourself

Mothman in front of a pride rainbow, wearing hot pink thigh-high heeled boots. Text says Believe In yourself

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

🚨NEW PROGRAM ALERT🚨 Stories are powerful. Share yours at Out Loud, our new open mic night! Share your story. Read a poem. Sing a song. It all builds the kind of community that's so critical right now. It all starts Friday, April 24th, at 7 pm, at The Center (1660 N 2501st Rd in Ottawa).

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Also, you can donate directly to HumanKIND Initiative here. Every single dollar counts. We're doing the work every day to make this a better, safer, kinder place for LGBTQIA+ people. www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundra...

zeffy.com

Donate to HumanKIND

Your donation today will help the HumanKIND Initiative continue its Mission to help the LGBTQ+ Community in the LaSalle County area thrive and grow. All money currently being raised is going toward op...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Wanna learn more about being a good ally? Come to our Ally Workshop on March 14! Info on program content and more at humankindinitiative.org/workshops-co...

humankindinitiative.org

Workshops & Conferences - The HumanKIND Initiative

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

You might only do one thing today. But if each and every one of us does just one thing, imagine how much we could accomplish. Now, stop waiting for someone to do something, and go do something!

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

4 (con't). Stuff envelopes instead. Talk to your neighbors. Call your political representatives. Donate to a charity like Humankind Initiative. All of these are more than valid, they're necessary, even if they're not "visible" activism.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

4. Remember that there are tons of ways to help affect change. Everyone has their own strengths and interests and preferences and capacity, and that's okay. You don't want to/can't protest? That's fine!

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

3. Do your own reading. It's not queer folks' job to educate you. They need their time, energy, and brainspace for other things. Many are happy to help; others may not be. Be respectful and graciously accept a no.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

2. Follow the lead of queer folks who are already doing the work. Don't assume you know what is the best course of action to take on their behalf, and don't waste time reinventing the wheel. If you're not sure, ask! That said.....

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

1. Hatred and bigotry are *our* problem to fix. It's not queer folks' responsibility. Cishet allies need to confront our peers, every day, in our own personal lives. "Hey, that's not cool" can go a long way.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

You don't have to be perfect--everyone makes mistakes, and we all have opportunities to grow and improve. Here are some things to remember:

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Happy Friday! Lea Anne here, speaking directly to my fellow cishet folks. Ally is not a title you can claim for yourself. (The title shouldn't even be the point, but anyway.) It's something you have to prove yourself worthy of through your actions.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

The Center will be closed today (Dec 28). Sorry for any inconvenience!

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

And because we’re a registered 501c3 nonprofit, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We cannot thank you enough. #GivingTuesday /4

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

This #GivingTuesday (and beyond), please donate to HumanKIND Initiative. We accept one-time or monthly recurring donations, business sponsorships, and more through our website here: www.humankindinitiative.org . /3

humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative

Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

People often ask us what they can do to help. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s time, effort, and material donations—they are why we’re able to do what we do. But if we are to continue—and expand!—our mission in 2026, what we need most is your financial support. #GivingTuesday /2

humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative

Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

At HumanKIND Initiative, 2025 has been a busy year of serving, celebrating, and planning for the future. We have helped more people in one way or another in the past 5 months than we could have ever imagined, and the momentum is building. #GivingTuesday /1

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Tickets are $40/individual or $60/pair of tickets BEFORE midnight on Christmas Eve. From December 25th through February 21st, tickets are $50/individual or $75/pair. Click below and get them early! www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

zeffy.com

2nd Annual Pride Prom

2nd Annual Pride PromJoin us for a night where creativity and community shine. Hosted by the Humankind Initiative, the 2nd year of Prride Prom is more than an event—it's a celebration of self-expressi...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Just make sure that you are bringing the you from the 80s, cuz it's about to get, like, totally rad that night! Community members and allies 18 and up are invited, and are encouraged to take advantage of the Holiday Price! These tickets are great gifts. www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

zeffy.com

2nd Annual Pride Prom

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Our 2nd Annual Pride Prom is Saturday, February 21st, and we are taking it back to the 80s! We are decking out The Center, and now's your chance to attend the Prom as your true self (if your school missed out on the fantastic opportunity of meeting the real YOU). www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Pride Prom 2026
2nd Annual Pride Prom
Back to the 80s
February 21, 7 pm - 11 pm
The Center
1660 N. 2501st Rd. Ottawa

$40/ticket ($60/pair) until 12/24

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Santa's Slay tickets can be digital, or we can give you physical tickets to give away. Live drawing on New Year's Eve at our party at the Center! The more tickets we sell, the more people Humankind Initiative can help, PLUS the more money the winner gets! www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s...

zeffy.com

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Don't be the only one without ticket to Santa's Slay this New Year's Eve! We have people buying these as gifts, but, more importantly, for themselves (don't forget to treat yourself this Holiday season). Go to www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s... and buy yours today.

Santa's Slay Holiday Giving 50/50
Live drawing before midnight
December 31, 2025
Proceeds benefit the mission of HumanKIND Initiative

Perfect stocking stuffers or envelope additions!

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Ring in the New Year's with HumanKIND! Game tournaments, karaoke, food, and laughs--the best way to start a new year. Add a welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and this is THE best spot to be to welcome 2026. We may even have a surprise or 2 that night....see you then!

NYE Game Strava Ganza Palooz Aroo
Ring in the new year with a low-key night of gaming, snacks, and laughs

December 31
6 pm - 1 am
Come for an hour, or stay for the ball drop.
BYOB

The Center
1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

November's issue features some new programs (karaoke, teen nights) and old favorites (support groups, D&D, fiber arts craft & chat, trivia), plus special events like the Friendsgiving Potluck on November 23. Learn more about us at www.humankindinitiative.org

humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative

Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Have you signed up for our newsletter? The HumanKIND Initiative delivers a monthly Cup O' Kindness directly to your inbox. It's a great way to keep up to date on what we're doing and how you can get involved. Sign up here: www.humankindinitiative.org

humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative

Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Her work with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson included the creation of STAR House, which provided assistance to unhoused people in the gay community, with special focus on people of color. You can learn more about Sylvia Rivera here: npg.si.edu/blog/welcome... /2

npg.si.edu

Sylvia Rivera: Activist and Trailblazer | National Portrait Gallery

Sylvia Rivera (with Christina Hayworth and Julia Murray) | by Luis Carle |Gelatin silver print, 2000 | National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquisition made possible through the support...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002). As a trans Latina who spent much of her life homeless, Rivera was particularly sensitive to the struggles of trans people of color and those living in poverty. /1

LGBT History Month
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera was a key figure in the Stonewall Riots. A transgender woman, she later cofounded the Gay Liberation Front and worked with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson to create the trans rights group STAR. Her work was revolutionary in its inclusion of trans people in the gay liberation movement of the 60s and 70s.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Get your tickets now at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits . All proceeds benefit HumanKIND Initiative and its critical work supporting the LGBT+ community, so you can feel good about unleashing your inner Vincent Van Ghoul on an unsuspecting thrifted landscape or portrait. /2

zeffy.com

Paint with Spirits

It's Spooky season and you know what that means! Time for some ghoulish fundraising!On Saturday, October 18th, head on over to The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness (The Center) as we create fant...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

There's still time to reserve your canvas at Paint with Spirits! BYOB or purchase non-alcoholic drinks and a variety of great snacks from our concessions stand...including delicious Pine Hills pizza. /1

Paint with Spirits
Join Us for a night of spooky creativity! We supply the thrift paintings and supplies...you turn it into a new (ghoulish) work of art
October 18th 6pm - 8 pm
BYOB
$20 a person
18+
The Center, 1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

(We also accept large bills and recurring donations! And you don't have to live in our area to donate. If you want rural folks to have access to a supportive community and critical resources, we'd love your help.) All donations are tax deductible! It's win/win! /3

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

While this is a free event, we will be accepting donations to support our work making the world a kinder place for LGBT+ folks. So, if you like what you see and want to keep the (literal and proverbial) lights on, drop a few bucks in our bucket or donate online at www.zeffy.com/fundraising/... /2

zeffy.com

Donate to HumanKIND

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Join HumanKIND Initiative at our *free* Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. Bring the kids, grandparents, siblings, your neighbors: this event has something for everyone. Including an outdoor screening of the classic film Hocus Pocus at dusk! /1

Family Friendly Fun!
HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 25
hay rides, bonfire, crafts, haunted house, kids costume contest, and more
The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2501 Rd. Ottawa IL

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

An immigrant from Bavaria who later served in the US Army, Gerber also established a correspondence club that became a communications network for gay men across the country. Learn more about Henry Gerber here: chicagolgbthalloffame.org/gerber-henry/ /2

chicagolgbthalloffame.org

HENRY GERBER – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Henry Gerber (1892-1972), founder of the first documented gay rights organization in America: the Society for Human Rights. /1

LGBT History Month
Henry Gerber
Henry Gerber, an immigrant and US Army veteran, founded Chicago's Society for Human Rights in 1924. It is the first documented gay rights organization in America. He was arrested and prosecuted for his work and, though the charges were eventually dismissed, he lost his life savings and job in the process.

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Small Town Pride, by Phil Stamper Melissa, by Alex Gino Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff Lumberjanes (a manga series), by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks Better Nate than Ever, by Tim Federle Hurricane Child, by Kacen Callender /2

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Being a tween can be hard--you're not a kid, you're not a teen, and you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit into the world. Finding the right book can be a huge help! The books here are just a few of the great middle grade titles that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. /1

Small Town Pride, by Phil Stamper

Melissa, by Alex Gino

Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff

Lumberjanes (a manga series), by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks

Better Nate than Ever, by Tim Federle

Hurricane Child, by Kacen Callender

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller, by Oliver Darkshire Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin /3

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski /2

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Many of the titles on today's feature are probably familiar--they're among the most frequently banned books in recent years. Strong LGBTQ+ voices are more important than ever, and reading LGBTQ+ memoirs and nonfiction is a great way to become a more compassionate, kind person. /1

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe

A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski

All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson

Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller, by Oliver Darkshire

Beyond Magenta: Transgender and Nonbinary Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

As always, proceeds benefit the Center and its work providing a safe, welcoming place for everyone--even vampires, if they are kind. /2

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Be ready to slay the bloodthirsty competition at trivia! It's all Buffy at The Center this Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 pm. Get tickets early at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or message us to know you'll pay in cash at the door. No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1

zeffy.com

Trivia Thursday

Grab a group of your smartest friends (or at least throw a couple of smart ones in the mix) and join us every other Thursday for TRIVIA THURSDAYS at The Center! Teams of up to 10 brains can sign up to...

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Sword Crossed, by Freya Marske The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender /2

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HumanKIND Initiative @humankindpride.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Romance books can be warm and cozy, sizzling and spicy, and everything in between. And they can come in nearly any genre, from historical to fantasy to comedy. LGBTQ+ romance books are no different! Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1

Sword Crossed, by Freya Marske

The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo

Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston

Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree

Felix Ever After, by Kacen Callender

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