This was James Baldwin’s second novel, and probably one of his most well known pieces of works. Giovanni’s Room tells the story of a man who moves to Paris and his relationship with another man named Giovanni. This book is so important because it was one of the first to really show the complicated ways in which gay men had to manage their identity, self and place in a world that didn’t want them do exist. This story takes place in Paris, but one doesn’t have to have been to Paris to feel a connection to Giovanni, his bedroom, and all that happens to the protagonists, David.2. Jack Twist & Ennis del Mar in “Brokeback Mountain”Before “Brokeback Mountain” was an Academy Award-nominated film, it was a short story about two married men hopelessly in love with each another. Annie Proulx’s short, first published in “The New Yorker,” follows the forbidden romance between Jack Twist and Ennis del Mar from the start of their relationship all the way to its bitter, untimely end.3. Charles Ryder & Sebastian Flyte in “Brideshed Revisited”We’re not exactly sure whether Charles and Sebastian were just good friends or a whole lot more, but nevertheless, the relationship strongly hints at romance. The romance was real, but author Evelyn Waugh never comes out and confirms it.4. A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood A Single Man came back to popularity in 2009 when famed designer Tom Ford made it into a film that is nothing short of beautiful. The book is a day in the life of George Falconer who is going through what some may deem an “existential” crisis after suddenly losing his partner in a tragic accident. The book is most importantly about staying alive when the thing you love most is gone, which makes this story so beautiful both on screen and in print.5. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde is one of the quintessential gay authors in history. His flamboyant lifestyle and tragic death have made him iconic beyond the impressive canon of work he created. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a story that makes one wonder: What would you do to be beautiful forever? Vanity and beauty are two things that many gay men struggle with their entire lives due to living in a gay culture in which how good one looks supersedes most other aspects in regards to social capital and success. This book attracts gay readers all over the world because Dorian, who is not gay, is dealing with an issue that eclipses many gay lives. During the last couple of decades there have been quite a lot of heated discussions concerning the sexual orientation of the main character. So we would really recommend reading it and making up your own stance.
By TAIMI on July 30, 2018.Canonical linkExported from Medium on July 7, 2020.
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