With the start of June, we’re ringing in that special time of year to celebrate queer and trans individuals, families, history, and communities.

At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is facing a great number of challenges—from the banning of inclusive literature to attacks on employment and healthcare rights to the basic human right to be safe and find love—this June is a particularly important time to remember what the community has faced before, understand what they face now, and find hope for a better future.

Here are a few of our favorite recent releases that embody these ideas, and we’ll be sharing more throughout the month!

Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend by Joy Michael Ellison, illus. by Nabi H. Ali

Fruitcake: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle & Dave Valeza

Princess Pete by Zoey Allen, illus. by Frenci Sanna

Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith

What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria by Kyle Casey Chu & Andrew W. Shaffer, illus. by Cindy Lozito

Opting Out by Maia Kobabe & Swati “Lucky” Srikumar

Big thanks to Candlewick, Graphix, Scholastic, and ABRAMS Kids for copies of these books!