Public domain books and academic papers

Fiction

Stone Butch Blues – Leslie Feinberg

First published in 1993, Feinberg put out a 20th anniversary edition of Stone Butch Blues for free just before her death. As her website puts it, this was done as "part of her entire life work as a communist to 'change the world' in the struggle for justice and liberation from oppression." (Quote from lesliefeinberg.net)
The Well of Loneliness – Radclyffe Hall

A pioneering 1928 novel exploring lesbian identity, love and social stigma, and one of the most influential works in LGBTQ+ literary history. Although controversial and once banned in the UK, it remains an important historical text.
Carmilla – Sheridan Le Fanu

A classic Gothic novella first published in 1872, often recognised as one of the earliest works of vampire fiction with strong lesbian themes. It has had a lasting influence on both queer literature and horror fiction.
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s only novel explores beauty, morality and identity, and is widely regarded as a queer literary classic. The novel contains themes of desire and repression that have made it a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ literature.
Leaves of Grass – Walt Whitman

A celebrated collection of poetry exploring identity, humanity, love and connection, with many poems recognised for their queer themes and significance in LGBTQ+ literary history.

Non-fiction and academic papers

How to Understand Your Gender – The Zine – Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker

A free downloadable workbook designed to help people explore and reflect on their gender identity through practical exercises and prompts. It is an accessible and widely-recommended resource for anyone questioning or exploring their gender.
Alex Iantaffi

A collection of free downloadable resources exploring gender, relationships, consent, embodiment and self-care. Resources include Loving Beyond Gender Binaries and Somatic Tips for the Resistance.
Queer Creative Health – Meg-John Barker

A free guide exploring creativity, wellbeing and mental health from a queer perspective through reflective activities and practical exercises. It is available through the Wellcome Collection under a Creative Commons licence.
Digital Transgender Archive

A free online archive preserving historical documents, magazines, photographs, newsletters and other materials documenting transgender history from around the world. It provides an invaluable resource for research, education and exploring trans history.
James Baldwin and the Queer Imagination

An open-access academic book exploring James Baldwin’s work through the lens of queer theory and literary scholarship. It provides an accessible introduction to Baldwin’s influence on queer literature and critical thought.
Queer Words, Queer Images

A collection of academic essays examining how language, literature and media shape understandings of sexuality and queer identities. It offers a broad introduction to queer cultural and literary studies.
Amphibious Subjects

An open-access ethnographic study exploring queer identity, community and human rights in Ghana. It examines the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people, while considering broader questions of culture, sexuality and social justice.