How do we find our way though the maze of questions around sexuality, gender and identity? We'll I guess we look back and discover the journey others have taken. Self discovery of ones own identity isn't easy and from personal experience changes and evolves as our understanding of our self grows.

We put ourselves in little boxes that feel comfortable and while sometimes that allows us to feel safe for a time we may also want to step out to view others and better understand their version of the world. Below are some of the best LGBT self help books to assist you to better understand your own sexuality, gender and identity.

Rewriting the Rules by Meg-John Barker

Queer : The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens by Kathy Belge

Teen life is hard enough with all of the pressures kids face, but for teens who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), it's even harder.
When do you decide to come out? To whom? Will your friends accept you? And how on earth do you meet people to date? Updated in 2018, Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia. Queer also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history.
This updated and revised edition is a must-read for any teen who thinks they might be queer - or knows someone who is. * YALSA Quick Picks Nomination 2012 * ALA Rainbow Book List 2012 * YALSA Popular Paperbacks nomination 2014

Gender: Your Guide by Lee Airton

A Gender-Friendly Primer on What to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture "An invaluable resource for both new and veteran allies...obvious and necessary" (Library Journal, starred review) information for everyone who wants to learn more about how to navigate gender diversity in today's families, communities, and workplaces. The days of two genders-male, female; boy, girl; blue, pink-are over, if they ever existed at all. Gender is now a global conversation, and one that is constantly evolving.

More people than ever before are openly living their lives as transgender men or women, and many transgender people are coming out as neither men nor women, instead living outside of the binary. Gender is changing, and this change is gaining momentum. We all want to do and say the right things in relation to gender diversity-whether at a job interview, at parent/teacher night, and around the table at family dinners.

But where do we begin? From the differences among gender identity, gender expression, and sex, to the use of gender-neutral pronouns like singular they/them, to thinking about your own participation in gender, Gender: Your Guide serves as "a warm, inviting guide to a complicated area" (The Globe and Mail, Toronto). Professor and gender diversity advocate Lee Airton, PhD, explains how gender works in everyday life; how to use accurate terminology to refer to transgender, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming individuals; and how to ask when you aren't sure what to do or say. It provides the information you need to talk confidently and compassionately about gender diversity, whether simply having a conversation or going to bat as an advocate.

Just like gender itself, being gender-friendly is a process for all of us. As revolutionary a resource as Our Bodies, Ourselves, Gender: Your Guide is "greatly needed...an impactful tool for creating a world more supportive of people of all genders" (INTO! Magazine).

A Practical Guide to Sex : Finally, Helpful Sex Advice! by Meg-John Barker & Justin Hancock

Not your typical sex advice guide... This friendly guide takes a radical approach: it puts your experience at the heart of the book, and invites you to explore what might be enjoyable to you. Written in an engaging and thoughtful style, it challenges the messages we receive about `normal' sex; looks at how to understand and care for yourself; delves into ideas of pleasure for different bodies, ages and tastes; explores relationships; and tackles the tricky topics of communication and consent.

So, throw out the rule book and learn to listen to your own desires.

Trans Teen Survival Guide by Fox Fisher & Owl Fisher

Frank, friendly and funny, the Trans Teen Survival Guide will leave transgender and non-binary teens informed, empowered and armed with all the tips, confidence and practical advice they need to navigate life as a trans teen. Wondering how to come out to your family and friends, what it's like to go through cross hormonal therapy or how to put on a packer? Trans youth activists Fox and Owl have stepped in to answer everything that trans teens and their families need to know. With a focus on self-care, expression and being proud of your unique identity, the guide is packed full of invaluable advice from people who understand the realities and complexities of growing up trans.

Having been there, done that, Fox and Owl are able to honestly chart the course of life as a trans teen, from potentially life-saving advice on dealing with dysphoria or depression, to hilarious real-life awkward trans stories.

The A-Z of Gender and Sexuality : From Ace to Ze by Morgan Lev Edward Holleb

There can be confusion around the appropriate terminology for trans and queer identities, even within the trans community itself. As language is constantly evolving, it can be especially difficult to know what to say. As a thorough A-Z glossary of trans and queer words from 'ace' to 'xe', this dictionary guide will help to dispel the anxiety around using the "wrong" words, while explaining the weight of using certain labels and providing individuals with a vocabulary for personal identification.

Having correct and accurate terminology to describe oneself can be empowering, especially with words and phrases that describe gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, as well as slang relevant to LGBTQ+ rights and anti-discrimination, queer activism, gender-affirming healthcare and psychology. Written in a traditional A-Z glossary style, this guide will serve as a quick reference for looking up individual words, as well as an in-depth look at trans history and culture.

Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker

'Queer: A Graphic History Could Totally Change the Way You Think About Sex and Gender' Vice Activist-academic Meg-John Barker and cartoonist Jules Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this ground breaking non-fiction graphic novel. From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged. Along the way we look at key landmarks which shift our perspective of what's 'normal' - Alfred Kinsey's view of sexuality as a spectrum, Judith Butler's view of gendered behaviour as a performance, the play Wicked, or moments in Casino Royale when we're invited to view James Bond with the kind of desiring gaze usually directed at female bodies in mainstream media.

Presented in a brilliantly engaging and witty style, this is a unique portrait of the universe of queer thinking.

What is Gender? by Juno Dawson

How Does It Define Us? And Other Big Questions for Kids What's the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps kids to explore these questions and many more. It explains how your gender can have an impact on your life, what it means to choose your own gender identity and the importance of gender equality. Topics covered include gender stereotypes, why there are different toys for boys and girls, being intersex and transgender, cross-dressing and gender around the world.

You will also hear from a range of people who share their personal gender philosophies. Poet Anthony Anaxagorou discusses his masculinity, author Holly Bourne writes about the importance of feminism, Krishna Istha explains what it means to be genderqueer and Juno shares her experiences of being transgender. Other contributors and celebrities featured include Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Jack Monroe, Caitlyn Jenner, RuPaul, Laura Dockrill, Conchita Wurst, Andrew McMillan and Emma Watson.

Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards. Part of the ground breaking and important 'And Other Big Questions' series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today. Other titles in the series include: What is Humanism? How do you live without a god?What is Feminism? Why do we need it? Who are Refugees and Migrants? What makes people leave their homes? What is Consent? Why is it important? What is Masculinity? Why does it matter? What is Mental Health? Where does it come from?