I wish I could say, as September is starting to roll in, that it’s getting colder. It absolutely is not and I’m actually upset about it. Why is it still so hot??? I still can’t wear the clothes I love and I’m still hesitant to buy a hot drink when I go out (who wants a hot chocolate in 90 degree weather???). BUT, something that I can still do, and hopefully you as well, is read.
There’s been more LGBTQIA+ media being made in recent years, and that’s an amazing thing! That being said, something that I’ve noticed is that there’s a ton of this media that is either tragic and disheartening, and/or fetishizes the people they’re trying to represent. Of course I’m not saying this is ALL of queer and trans media, I’m not even saying it’s the majority, but sometimes it can be hard finding ones that can be cute, uplifting, and happy. So, as a person that reads a lot and works in a library, I’m happy just to share a few of the books (specifically graphic novels and manga) I’ve found to be an absolute joy to read!
1.
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
Main character, Belle, finds herself in a love triangle after she agrees to tutor the girlfriend (and old childhood friend) of the girl she has a crush on.
2.
The Tea Dragon Series by Kay O’Neill
Follow the lives of several characters as we peek on their daily adventures! Discover a new world full of love, fantasy and of course… Tea Dragons!
3.
Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham
What does the nerd and the jock have in common? Honestly, not much. But a chance encounter with a werewolf may be the missing thread to connect these two misunderstood teens.
4.
Confessions of a Shy Baker by Masaomi Ito
Husbands have one tradition every week… to bake and eat one dessert every Wednesday. It’s not easy being a gay man in Japan, especially a closeted one, but they have each other and that’s really all that matters.
5.
Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku
Ryo just wants the world to accept him for who he is: a boy. With the support of old and new friends, graffiti, and a couple of t-shirts, just maybe Ryo can break past not only his own anxieties, but the expectations of the constrictive society he’s apart of.
6.
My Androgynous Boyfriend by Tamekou
Experience the interesting lives of a editor and an androgynous influencer as they navigate through adulthood, new friendships and their own relationship. What could go wrong?
Final Touches
At the end of the day, none of these may be something you’re interested in… and that’s ok! (Imma judge, but whatever) These are just some of the ones I liked that I wanted to share! I’ve been trying to stay with lighthearted content lately, between the horror book club I’m apart of and seasonal depression starting to rev up, I think having a few cute series to read will keep the spirits up for at least until the next read.
Anywho… let me know if you check any of these out, or if you’ve read any of these titles already! I’m down for a cool conversation with you all. Thanks for checking this out and giving me a chance ❤
Sundai Paper 
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