Among the myriad significant events happening during this month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month is perhaps the most important of all. At Olympia, we're proud to say that we champion LGBTQ+ literature and authors in our roster, and today we wanted to shine a light on some of them through our blog. 



Tue Elkjaer- "A Queer Object"




Examining closely the themes of toxic beauty standards, objectification and the consequent loss of one's own humanity, Tue Elkjaer tells the story of Mishka, a gay social media influencer and sex worker obsessed with beauty, so much so that it governs all aspects of his life. Behind the facade he presents online, Mishka is deeply insecure and lives to please anyone who can validate him or show him attention. Who or what is to blame for his slow-burning self-destruction? His desperate need to please his patrons? His patrons' struggle with their sexual desires? Or the society that tends to discard every anomaly?

You can find the book here.



Amy Tollyfield- "Brixton Nights"



Amy Tollyfield's striking coming-of-age novella "Brixton Nights" tells the story of Christina, a young lesbian woman and her tempestuous journey through young adulthood and early adult life, chronicling the loss and heartache that comes with such a time. Working-class, female and gay, Christina has the odds stacked against her, before she and her rebellious brother, Kyle, are given a new home with a kind lady named Simone. But will Christina get the happy ending she so sorely deserves? And will she ever meet Mum again? 

You can find the book here.



Larry Holme- "Straight Dad, Gay Dad"



Larry Holme shares his and his husband's story about the trials, tribulations, and joys of being foster parents. Giving a heartfelt view about the interactions with the different social care services and charities from the perspective of same-sex couples wanting to care for children.
While not a ‘how to' guide to adopting or fostering children, Larry's story will hopefully help guide the choices of people wanting to adopt or foster through his experiences and lessons learned. The honest and open tale not only gives the joys that can be gained from looking after children in care, but it also shares the challenges, and potential heartache.

You can find the book here.



Ramon Horvath- "Just One Day"



Ethan is the golden boy of his town. With his father being the mayor of the town, the pressure to be the best son, best student and best sportsman drives him. But he has always felt incomplete on the inside and unable to truly be himself. Until one morning he meets Luke in a coffee shop who could reveal a side of Ethan he himself has been unaware of. Was it destiny or chance that brings them together?

You can find the book here.



Isabella Renee- "He and I"



As a young gay man in early 2010s New York, Frederick's life only begins when he finds love. He meets Johnny over an internet dating service and their relationship blossoms.
As the lovers are mired in their own internal struggles and strife, they are forced to question whether their love is worth the risk when death stalks around every corner.
Will Frederick ever get his dream wedding? Will they be able to start a family together? Will their love endure through it all? Only time will tell.

You can find the book here. 



R.E. Boucher- "The Electi"



Boasting a diverse cast of characters and tackling head on issues of homophobia and marginalisation within a rich and detailed world, R.E. Boucher's stand-out dystopian thrill-ride "The Electi" tells the story of class divide in a bleak future where the air is no longer safe to breathe, where the upper-class Electi rule obver the impverished Treb with an iron fist, treating them with discrimination and hate. 

You can find the book here. 


Gerald L. Milch- "Kissing Frogs"



Seventeen-year-old Ethan Liddell knows he is gay. He hasn't had the opportunity to test the theory yet, but that all changes when Harry MacInnes-Brown suddenly appears in his life in his navy-blue speedos. Harry is only too happy to show Ethan the ropes, and ease him into his manhood, and they embark on an eye-opening affair which leaves Ethan in no doubt as to his allegiance. In this joyful and explicit coming of age tale, acceptance is the norm and, helped by their families and friends, they navigate their way through their relationship via school, amateur theatre, soccer and the temptations en route, all scored with an exquisite classical soundtrack.

You can find the book here.