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Top LGBTQ+ Must-Reads by Chicago Authors (or About Chicago!)

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Chicago is a city known for its rich history, diverse communities, and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. In this list, we highlight 12 must-read LGBTQ+ books, each written by an author with ties to Chicago or set within the city’s iconic neighborhoods. From historical works to contemporary fiction, these books explore themes of love, identity, and activism, making them essential reads for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature and Chicago’s queer history.
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Historical Nonfiction: LGBTQ+ History in Chicago

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If you love reading true stories and learning about history, you'll love these books about LGBTQ+ history in Chicago.
 
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Do You Remember House? dives into Chicago’s house music scene and shows how queer people of color built powerful communities through music and dance. It’s a great read if you want to learn how nightlife, identity, and culture came together in underground clubs across the city.
Do You Remember House?: Chicago's Queer Undergrounds
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Fiction: LGBTQ+ Stories with a Chicago Connection

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If you love escaping into fictional stories, you'll love these novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters and stories with a Chicago connection.