A new report has suggested that Liam Payne grappled with his sexuality before his death.

On 16 October, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter tragically passed away after falling off a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Before his body was discovered in the hotel courtyard, police were alerted about an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” per The Guardian.

“Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo,” local authorities revealed to news outlets.

Payne’s family also confirmed the news in an additional statement: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”

Over the last few months, new information about the heartbreaking situation and Payne’s life behind the scenes has been released to the public – including the alleged inner turmoil he faced over his sexuality.

According to a recent report from Rolling Stone, a handful of sources claimed that the ‘Teardrops’ singer “wrestled with his sexual identity, compounding his struggles and leading to risky behaviour.”

In addition to allegedly contributing to his abuse of drugs and alcohol, the report suggested that Payne’s sexuality woes impacted his relationship with his ex-fiancé, Maya Henry.

“Liam struggled with his sexuality. During his relationship with Maya, he sexted men,” one source claimed.

Another insider alleged that Henry ended their relationship in 2022 due to several reasons, including Payne “revealing sexting conversations with strangers to her by accidentally broadcasting them to their TV.”

While Henry refrained from addressing specific questions pertaining to Payne, she did submit a written statement to the publication that gave a general insight into their relationship.

“I knew there were parts of himself he was struggling with– parts of his identity he wasn’t ready to fully face, even within our relationship,” she wrote.

“In the end, it wasn’t just the betrayals or the addictions that broke us–it was the realization that I had spent years in something that was never what I thought it was. I don’t fault him for his struggles.”

The recent Rolling Stone report comes a week after the 67th Grammy Awards opened up their In Memoriam section with a video tribute to Payne.

The brief video featured clips of the beloved singer performing and interacting with fans. It also included a voice-over of Payne reflecting on his career.

wasn’t ready for this liam payne tribute #grammys pic.twitter.com/y9sdQV1m8v

— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 3, 2025

“I never expected any of this to happen… I actually still think about it. We’ve done some amazing things,” the late singer said.

Shortly after the show concluded, fans shared their emotional responses to the heartwarming tribute on social media.

“I can’t even get myself to accept that he’s gone. I still feel like he’s here with us,” one person wrote on X/Twitter.

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Why did this actually hit me so hard.. as someone who used to be a die hard directioner, I still haven’t processed his passing, and I’m still in shock to this day.”

The post New report alleges Liam Payne “struggled with his sexuality” before his death appeared first on GAY TIMES.

First up in our editorial collaboration with Versus, Jake ‘Snake’ Denton reflects on the lasting impact of homophobic chants, football heteronormativity and his “love affair” with the sport.

WORDS BY SNAKE DENTON
IN COLLABORATION WITH VERSUS
HEADER DESIGN BY JACK ROWE

TW – Mentions of suicide and depression.

“Dad, what’s a rent boy?” It was a question that my father probably didn’t know how to answer. Not that he had strong opinions about young male prostitutes, one way or another. There were just some things you’d rather not explain to your eight-year-old son (especially when you’re 1-0 down against Southampton). 

“Dad,” I asked again. “Did you hear me?” It was 2004. My first year as a ‘real’ Chelsea fan, who was allowed to stay up past his bedtime to watch the Champions League, wear his replica shirt to bed, and name the family goldfish, ‘Zola’.

Stamford Bridge seemed like the most exciting place in the world. In the first weeks of the season, I’d seen grown men hug and kiss, been twirled around in the air by complete strangers, and learned naughty new words and phrases like “wanker” and “fucking-bald-tosspot-REF”. But I’d never heard the words “rent boy” before. 

The chant started a couple of moments after Southampton’s forward volleyed the ball into the roof of our net; first as a smattering of jeers from the away end, then as a wall of noise – like the roar of a crashing tidal wave. “Chelsea-rent-boys! Chelsea-rent-boys!” 

I didn’t know what the chant meant, but even then, I could tell it had a strange power because the sixteen-stone bloke, who sat in front of us, was looking at the floor and grinning. The chant was an accusation, and it was directed at us. “Chelsea-rent-boys! Chelsea-rent-boys!” 

Over the years, hearing that song became as normal as getting a burger with fried onions, or watching John Terry clatter a striker on the edge of the box. 

My dad eventually explained the chant’s alleged meaning and origin. Depending on who you ask, the song originates from a tabloid story about a Chelsea hooligan who was caught in bed with another man, or, from the area’s reputation as a gay hotspot in the 1960s and 70s. 

His explanation still didn’t make much sense to me. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be gay, and I definitely didn’t want to be a gay prostitute (in case these things were ever used against me by a chorus of sweary men).

Now, let me shock you: I didn’t come out until later in life. Like a lot of queer people, I had to confront a lot of difficult feelings and internalised homophobia before I felt ready. I’m glad to say that, these days, I’m more comfortable with my sexual identity, but it took a lot of time – and a lot of therapy – to get to where I am now. 

When I think back to my early years – going to The Bridge on a Saturday and playing for my local club on a Sunday – I can’t help but wonder if my love affair with football, and particularly my love affair with Chelsea FC, drove me deeper into the closet. Maybe things would have been easier if I fell in love with tennis or golf, or if my dad had taken me to one of those tinpot football clubs in North London. Maybe then, I wouldn’t have waited as long to start being myself. 

Growing up, I was never one of those kids who always knew they were different. I didn’t like to think of myself as different. After all, I loved football, and what could be more “normal” for an 8-year-old boy than that? For me, it was more than just my favourite sport. It was a way of blending in, avoiding the bully boys, and being accepted (in the eyes of the lads brigade, if you’re decent with the ball at your feet, then you’re alright). 

So, thanks to my left peg, I was able to pass as straight which is a privilege that not all queer kids have, but it does come with its own set of complications. Football was a brilliant disguise, and by the time I reached adolescence, I had started to fool myself.

As a teenager, I perfected my performance as a straight, ahem, football lad: I started hitting the gym; I got my haircut like David Beckham; I even put up a racy poster of Cara Delevingne above my bed. In hindsight, these were three of the gayest things I possibly could have done. Most damaging of all, I dated girls obsessively. Jumping from one dysfunctional relationship to the next, never really grasping (or not wanting to grasp) why I found the sex so confusing and unfulfilling. 

I feel sad that I put myself through that for so long and that I didn’t have the courage or self-knowledge to be myself. But I was only doing what I thought “someone like me” was supposed to be doing. After all, beers and boobs were all anyone talked about in the dressing room. And it probably didn’t help that I was going to watch Chelsea, of all clubs, on the weekend.

In case you don’t know much about the fan cultures of different Premier League teams, my Blues have a chequered past. The National Front used to recruit outside of our stadium in the 70s and 80s, and despite the best efforts of the club hierarchy, our match-going fans still aren’t exactly known for their tolerance and acceptance.  Just last season, Stuart Mathews, the chair of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ fan group Proud Seagulls told The Independent Newspaper that the homophobic abuse he received in the fixture versus Chelsea was “the worst I’ve heard from any club”.

You might wonder: why would any straight-thinking gay boy want to support a club like that? Following a football team is a bit like joining the Mafia – once you’re in, you’re in for life. I should also say that, thankfully, I’ve never been the target of any homophobic abuse at Stamford Bridge (again, straight-passing), but that’s not to say that I don’t hear the same offensive crap at every match. 

Let me tell you some of my favourite micro-aggressions that I hear at football grounds. If a player has the temerity to wear gloves in the winter that makes him a “fanny” or “fairy”, and if (God forbid) one of the strikers does a fun little dance after scoring a goal he should “stop mincing about!!”. 

And yes, whenever I go to Chelsea, I still hear the ‘rent-boy’ chant. Sometimes it feels like the away end have been hired to do a private rendition, and are pointing and singing, specifically at me. But then I remember I’m just one boy in a sea of thousands and thousands of blue shirts. 

Some fans tell me they’re surprised that there’s not a single ‘out’ footballer in the Premier League in 2024, but I’m not surprised at all. Men’s football is a hostile and unsafe environment – not just for LGBTQIA+ people – but for anyone who doesn’t conform to a prescribed set of gender norms.

You’d have to be exceptionally brave or mad (or both) to stick your head above the parapet – as Justin Fashanu (the UK’s first and only top-flight men’s footballer to declare his homosexuality) did on 22 October 1990. The tragedy of Fashanu’s career after coming out – the tabloid monstering, the abuse from fans, his tumble down the divisions and escape to America – and eventual death by suicide in 1998, casts a long shadow over the men’s game.

I don’t want to end this story on a depressing note. I really do believe in the day when husbands and boyfriends (HABs) become tabloid sensations and England’s captain is a lionhearted twink. That day can’t come soon enough. I know I would have found my own sexuality so much easier to navigate if I had grown up with a queer footballing idol in men’s football.

After all this strife and confusion, you might expect me to say that, since coming out, I’ve turned my back on this stupid, homophobic kicky-ball thing and finally taken up tennis or golf. But just like with Chelsea, I’m in it for life. And the really good news is that I’ve found a community of queer people who are as mad about the beautiful game as I am. 

Next season I’ll be lining up for Stonewall FC, the UK’s top-rated LGBTQIA+ football club. And while I’ll probably never fulfil my childhood dream of playing for Chelsea, maybe, one day soon, I’ll get to see one of the boys in blue come out – something I could never have envisioned as an eight-year-old in the stands with my dad all those years ago. 

You can read Jake’s article on Chelsea FC at Versus here. 

Jake ‘Snake’ Denton is a journalist and presenter working in the worlds of fashion and culture. If he isn’t roaming around the streets of London with a mic in his hand, he’s watching his beloved Chelsea.

The post “I’m in it for life”: How being gay shaped my relationship with Chelsea appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Pop star Lauv shared an update on his sexuality journey in a new social media post.

Back in June, the former GAY TIMES cover star gave insight into his identity in a brief TikTok.

In the video, the ‘Steal the Show’ singer was shown in a car underneath white text that said: “When ur dating a girl but ur also a lil bit into men.”

Lauv gave further details about his journey in the caption, in which he wrote: “Does it have to be that big of a deal? I haven’t done much aside from kiss so tbh don’t wannna jump the gun but tbh i feel things and i don’t wanna pretend I don’t.”

Since making the aforementioned announcement, the young talent has remained an open book regarding his sexuality.

In one of his latest TikTok’s, Lauv opened up about not quite fitting into a singular label, writing: “I’m gay, but I’m not gay, but I’m gay, but I’m not gay. Something that’s been on this ol’ mind of mine.”

Like his previous post, fans quickly inundated his comment section with heartwarming messages.

One fan wrote: “So proud of you no matter what! Been a stan since 2017.”

Another TikTok user commented: “Been my fav artist for a while now, and this just further confirmed it.”

@lauvsongsSomething thats been on this ol’ mind of mine 🪗😅🤠🎷💅♬ Love U Like That – Lauv

Lauv’s latest TikTok comes a week after he uploaded a candid life update video to his YouTube and Instagram.

“I’m going through an interesting time. For years, as you may know, I’ve struggled with OCD and anxiety really badly, and one of the things I’m obsessed about has been my sexuality,” he explained.

“It’s been something that, you know, without going into too much detail from like childhood and stuff, but more recently, like in my 20s, I’ve pushed it down a lot.

“I felt like, ‘Okay, this is anxiety… it’s not exactly a real thing. Like I would feel feelings or like feel a connection or a vibe or desire or something and then would just shut it down.”

Towards the end of his statement, the beloved talent opened up about his goal of living a freer life before informing fans that he doesn’t have all the answers yet.

“It’s something that I’m exploring in my music, and exploring in my mind and going to be exploring in my life,” he added.

Check out Lauv’s full life update video here or below.

The post Lauv shares an update on his sexuality journey: “I’m gay but I’m not gay” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has opened up about the speculation regarding his sexuality.

Since landing his breakout role as Eric Effiong in Netflix’s hit series Sex Education, the beloved actor has become one of the industry’s most in-demand talents.

From his forthcoming appearance as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie film to his starring role as the 15th Time Lord in Doctor Who season 14, the 30-year-old actor’s upward trajectory is showing no signs of slowing down.

While Gatwa’s growing resume and acting performances continue to make waves, some fans have shifted their attention to his personal life – specifically his sexuality.

In an interview for British Vogue’s Pride issue, the Stonemouth star – who has not publically confirmed his sexuality – opened up about navigating the constant fan speculation.

“After Sex Education, we all became public property, to an extent. You have to fight for your right to privacy after that, but you also do feel like you own people something,” Gatwa explained.

“In setting my boundaries, I knew I wanted to separate the private and public, and that I never wanted my personal life to overshadow my work.”

Towards the end of his statement, Gatwa expressed the importance of giving a person grace to explore their identity without obligation.

“I also believe that everyone is on their own journey, and it’s important that no one feels an obligation to others in relation to what’s happening to them internally,” he added. “And that’s what Sex Education is about – taking things at your own pace.”

Elsewhere in his interview, the A Midsummer Night’s Dream star spilt some tea on Sex Education’s fourth season, and Eric’s final hurrah in the series.

“He gets the ending I wanted for him. Things get tied up. And there was one scene that I particularly fought for, and I managed to get it in, which was great,” he revealed.

“Aimee [Lou Wood] and I wrote it, and we were redrafting it until like 3am the day before. I’ve never written for Eric before, so that felt big, and it was a scene that meant a lot to me in terms of Eric’s journey and relationships. It felt very necessary.”

For more information on Sex Education season four, click here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ncuti Gatwa (@ncutigatwa)

The post Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa addresses fan speculation about his sexuality appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Nope star Keke Palmer has reflected on her sexuality and gender identity in a powerful speech.

On 22 April, LGBTQ+ activists, celebrities and allies flocked to the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel to attend the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s The Center Gala event.

During the ceremony, which was hosted by Drag Race judge Ts Madison, Palmer was honoured with a Vanguard Award for her incredible contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

While accepting the prestigious award, the Hustlers star opened up about her challenging journey navigating her gender and sexuality.

“I’ve always been my own person. Sexuality and identity for me has always been confusion,” she told the crowd, (per Variety.)

“You know, it’s, ‘I never felt straight enough. I never felt gay enough. And I never felt woman enough. I never felt man enough.’ You know, I always felt like I was a little bit of everything.”

Palmer then reflected on the “disdain” and pushback she faced for often leading her life with “masculinity” as a woman – which she later described as “a source of pain and resentment.”

“I’ve always wanted to be like my father… to want to be taken seriously and not diminish because I was a woman… Why did my gender have to define the power I have in the world? And why does my gender get to decide my sexuality,” she continued in between tears.

“You know, since I was younger, I always questioned the boxes I was forced to be in, and it starts with who you’re supposed to be as a child…”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Los Angeles LGBT Center (@lalgbtcenter)

“Then those walls try to cave you in from every damn angle, who you are as a creative, who you are as a friend.”

Towards the end of her speech, Palmer expressed her gratitude towards the event’s attendees and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole for understanding her struggles.

A day after making her powerful speech, the Alice star took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the event alongside a heartfelt caption.

“It was such a gift to be in a room, being celebrated for being exactly who I am. I am so grateful you guys to be living in this time, where yes there is still so much work to do, but dammit, we doing it,” she wrote.

“I am truly filled with so much gratitude, I tried so hard not to ruin my makeup but the tear ducts were giving out. Huge thanks again to the @lalgbtcenter, not just for this award but for EVERYTHING YOU DO TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE SAFE!”

Palmer’s recent appearance isn’t the first time she’s opened up about her sexuality.

Back in November, the 29-year-old revealed on the WHOREible Decisions podcast opened up about fluidity and where she fell on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

“Yeah, I’m definitely in the middle of the scale. I’m definitely even across the board. I feel like love is love, life is life. Do your thing, live your life. I feel that way,” she explained.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BIG BOSS 🔑🔑 (@keke)

The post Keke Palmer discusses her sexuality and gender: “I always felt like I was a little bit of everything” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Heartstopper star Kit Connor has decided to take a break from Twitter after being accused of queerbaiting.

The 18-year-old plays Nick Nelson in the Netflix hit series, which has been renewed for two more seasons.

Accusations of the actor queerbaiting stemmed from him being photographed holding hands with Maia Reficco.

The pair are co-stars in the upcoming film A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow.

The images caused a social media frenzy, which led to Connor being accused of queerbaiting.

On 12 September, he took to Twitter to address the comments, saying he was “a bit bored of it now.”

https://twitter.com/kit_connor/status/1569277820702171136?s=20&t=TRLW0SFFwnO5F_prAfZfdg

The star has previously opened up about not labelling his sexuality.

In May, he tweeted: “twitter is so funny man. apparently some people on here know my sexuality better than I do…”

https://twitter.com/kit_connor/status/1521245416901296128?s=20&t=3Km1CYqhTpJlyH0cfpdXBQ

He also made an appearance on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, where he talked further about his sexuality.

He told Smith: “In regards to my tweets, I just think that there’s a danger with things on social media.”

“In the cast, I’m 18 and we have a few people in their early 20s, and even with those older members of the cast, we’re all so young, and to start speculating about our sexualities and maybe pressuring us to come out when maybe we’re not ready.”

“I mean, for me, I just feel like I’m perfectly confident and comfortable in my sexuality, but I’m not too big on labels and things like that. I’m not massive about that. And I don’t feel like I need to label myself, especially not publicly. That tweet was slightly calling them out but also find it funny,” he explained.

“It’s 2022, it feels a bit strange to make assumptions about a person’s sexuality just based on hearing their voice or seeing their appearance. I feel like that’s a very interesting, slightly problematic, sort of assumption to make.”

The post Heartstopper’s Kit Connor quits Twitter amid queerbaiting accusations appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Pop sensation Harry Styles has responded to claims he cannot be queer because his previous relationships have been with women.

The singer has received a lot of speculation about his sexuality since the start of his career.

He was previously accused of queerbaiting due to his fluid sense of style.

Speculation also formed around unreleased song, Medicine, where Styles sang: “The boys and the girls are in, I mess around with them and I’m okay with it.” The musician first performed the song on his 2018 tour and it has remained a fan favourite since.

Styles has notably never confirmed his sexuality publicly despite a great deal of speculation from critics and fans.

A number of the 28-year-old’s relationships have been highly-documented in the press.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Styles commented on the theories about his sexuality.

“Sometimes people say, ‘You’ve only publicly been with women,’ and I don’t think I’ve publicly been with anyone. If someone takes a picture of you with someone, it doesn’t mean you’re choosing to have a public relationship or something,” he said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @harrystyles

Styles is currently with actress Olivia Wilde, although little is known about their relationship. They were recently spotted holding hands in New York.

Wilde directed the upcoming psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, which stars the musician alongside Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Gemma Chan and more.

The couple met on the set of the production.

He also starred as Tom Burgess in My Policeman, a police officer hiding his sexuality.

Styles reflected on the experience of starring in the film, and what that taught him.

He stated: “I think everyone, including myself, has your own journey with figuring out sexuality and getting more comfortable with it.”

“It’s not like ‘This is a gay story about these guys being gay.’ It’s about love and about wasted time to me,” he added.

The post Harry Styles addresses his “journey” with his sexuality appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Guatemala’s Congress has voted to ban same-sex marriage and teaching that “anything other than heterosexuality is normal” in schools.

The Protection of Life and Family law was passed by 160 votes in favour to just eight votes against on 8 March.

It predominantly targets the LGBTQ+ community, as well as worsening punishments for those seeking an abortion – a practice that is already illegal in the country except in cases where the pregnancy poses a threat to life.

Alejandro Giammattei, Guatemala’s president and a conservative, will have to give the law his signature for it to come into effect.

It remains unclear if he plans to do so, though an array of people in his party have shown support for the law.

Some of those in favour of the legislation believe “minority groups in society propose ways of thinking and practices that are incongruous with Christian morality”.

However, Vicenta Gerónimo, who voted against it, said the bill is a violation of human rights.

Cristian González of Human Rights Watch added: “The approval of this dangerous initiative represents a threat to the rights of women and LGBT people in the country.”

If signed into law, the Civil Code of Guatemala will be revised to “expressly prohibit same-sex marriages”.

The teaching that “anything other than heterosexuality is normal” will also be prohibited, marking a huge setback for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

The post Guatemala Congress votes to ban same-sex marriage and teaching of sexual diversity in schools appeared first on GAY TIMES.

The 26-year-old Euphoria actor revealed he wants to see more rimming following The White Lotus’ hit sex cliffhanger scene. 

The White Lotus star Gage is best known for his stints in Euphoria and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.

In the popular HBO comedy-drama, Gage plays hotel staff member Dillon alongside regular scene partner Armond (Murray Bartlett). 

HBO’s The White Lotus has built a reputation for its steamy scenes and fast-paced drama. However, most fans remember that on-screen moment which went viral. 

Episode four, which aired July last year, had fans in a frenzy after it showed Dillon “getting his salad tossed” by his spa manager.

In a new appearance on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live, Gage opened up about the intimate on-screen scene. 

“I thought we should normalise rimming. I think that, like, ass-eating needs to be talked about more. In the script, it was sex, and we’ve seen sex on TV. Let’s have some ass-eating,” he told the audience. 

#TheWhiteLotus star @LukasGage wants to normalize rim jobs: "We've seen sex on TV. Let's have some ass eating." #WWHL pic.twitter.com/2AebNsp86S

— Watch What Happens Live! (@BravoWWHL) January 17, 2022

The scene, between Gage and Bartlett, was originally scripted to have both characters participate in penetrative sex, but was rewritten following the actor’s request, according to Queerty.

“We said, ‘Wouldn’t it be more interesting if [Dillon’s] getting his salad tossed?’” Gage told AV Club. The two actors worked with an intimacy coordinator to block the scene then reportedly dived right in, quite literally in Bartlett’s case.

Bartlett has starred in Looking on HBO and the Netflix revival of Tales of the City where he plays gay characters.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Bartlett spoke about the scene: “It felt right in terms of the shock value. And it felt great in terms of: ‘Let’s show something that is a natural part of sex for a lot of queer people.”

The White Lotus is now available on Sky Atlantic and Now TV. Watch the trailer for the series here or below.

The post The White Lotus’ Lukas Gage wants to “normalise rimming” on TV appeared first on GAY TIMES.

There are some fantastic books coming out this year. Here’s our round up of upcoming LGBTQ+ books that need to be added to your reading list.

WORDS BY ZOYA RAZA-SHEIKH

We all know reading is fundamental so it’s time to put that mantra into practice. We’ve whipped up a grand list of books that will pack your 2022 reading list with fun reads, nerdy stats and keen insight into LGBTQ+ struggles. Fear not, it won’t all be hard-hitting stuff, but there’s always space for some anti-racism reads and educational texts to keep our brains ticking. So, whether you’re looking for a light read on the tube or a deep dive into how to be an ally, GAY TIMES has got you covered.

It’s 2022 and it’s time our bookshelves reflected the diverse creativity of our community. Keep reading to find out 10 of our top recommended reads to expect this year.

Transitional: How To Live Your Authentic Life by Munroe Bergdorf

Release date: TBC September 2022

GAY TIMES cover star Munroe Bergdorf is known for being an outspoken activist and a pioneering voice in the LGBTQ+ community. In her debut book, Bergdorf steps further outside of herself to humanise the fight for trans rights and to reveal more of herself. The writer unpacks the nuances of being in transition and what this means for each of us. A powerful beginning, Transitional is just the start for Bergdorf.

Queer Data by Kevin Guyan

Release date: January 2022

A comprehensive look into stats and figures, Kevin Guyan’s book critically explores how data can be used and examined. When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, the author rightly points out how data pertaining to our community is often misrepresented by straight washing or even overlooked. This book takes a bold look at how incomplete sums of data impact everyday lives and what must be done to combat this. An accessible read, Queer Data is a must-read to understand why reliable data is necessary to ensure the improvement of everyday LGBTQ+ people, policies, and activist causes.

In Transit: Being Non-Binary in a World of Dichotomies by D.E. Anderson

Release date: July 2022

A non-binary, queer writer from Minneapolis, they have written two novels Damaged Good and Problematic. Both books have been praised for their LGBTQ+ themes and writing styles. Their new book will be an exploration and what it means to be non-binary. From the language to history, Anderson takes a look at the experience of being non-binary in a cisnormative society.

The First To Die At The End by Adam Silvera

Release date: October 2022

The best selling author of They Both Die at the End is back with an exciting young adult prequel. For fans of the original hit and gripping teen fiction, Silvera’s novel follows the lives of new lovers before a string of life-changing events. While not much else has been relieved about the highly anticipated plot, we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before the buzz hits TikTok and BookTok fans are all over the upcoming novel.

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

Release date: April 2022

From the author of Shuggie Bain, Young Mungo is Douglas’ second novel that follows the lives of two working-class men from two different Christian backgrounds. The author’s second book treads familiar ground as it revisits the similar powerful themes unearthed in his first novel, however, Young Mungo captures its own distinct and unique romance of a cross-faith love story. A book that promising powerful, moving and sensitive moments, Young Mungo is sure to be on everyone’s reading list.

Supporting Trans People of Colour by Sabah Choudrey

Release date: January 2022

A thorough and well-researched book, Sabah Choundrey uses data, studies and surveys to provide information on how to support the rights of the trans community. Spotlighting trans people of colour, Choudrey focuses on how their community is often overlooked and works towards a space of intersectionality and representation. Through their findings, the activist establishes how safe, inclusive spaces can be made to ensure trans people of colour can receive the rights and services rightfully deserved. Supporting Trans People of Colour is a must-read. You can read more about Choundrey’s crowdfunding page to support trans communities and a self-funded book tour here.

Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health by Alexis Caught

Release date: January 2022

New things can be daunting and Alexis Caught knows exactly what this is like. In his new book, the author has pulled together a unique guide supporting LGBTQ+ youth exploring their identity. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to learn more, Caught covers topics from mental health, sex, relationships and more to support audiences in an educational and reassuring manner. For those that want to learn more or seeking a little bit of friendly guidance, this is the book for you.

Burning My Roti: Breaking Barriers as a Queer Indian Woman by Sharan Dhaliwal

Release date: February 2022

Written by Burnt Roti magazine creator Sharan Dhaliwal, Burning My Roti is a memoir and guide exploring everything from sexuality, mental health to appearance from a prominent South Asian voice. Burning My Roti sees Dhaliwal run through her personal experience while offering advice to other LGBTQ+ people.

The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

Release date: February 2022

Opoku-Agyeman compiles a powerful collection of essays written by Black authors covering topics from healthcare, policy, climate change, criminal justice, education and more. The Black Agenda tackles systemic and institutional issues and draws on nuanced, thoughtful perspectives of how these existing practices impacted the Black community. Each writer offers insightful solutions to these issues and an accessible, easy to understand manner. The Black Agenda is an illuminating non-fiction read that introduces audiences to a diverse range of writers and important conversations on pressing socio-economic issues affecting the Black community.

Outrageous! by Paul Baker: The Story of Section 28 and Britain’s Battle for LGBT
Education

Release date: January 2022

An impassioned reminder of history, Baker reflects on the moment Section 28 passed. Entrenched in fascinating anecdotes, political background and key LGBTQ+ voices (Ian McKellen, Michael Cashman, and Angela Mason), Outrageous! is a literature staple for both the community and allies. Baker pulls off a vast education book that will continue to teach generations about the dark era of prejudice that hid behind the vicious law and how activists (and the general community) worked tirelessly to overcome it.

The post 10 of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ books of 2022 appeared first on GAY TIMES.