Our Story
This bibliography emerged from the information void of the early 1990s—a time when finding comprehensive documentation of lesbian literature meant hunting through card catalogs and specialty bookstore shelves. What began as a modest cataloging project has, over three decades, transformed into an extensive digital archive documenting over 16,000 published works.
In our current moment of digital abundance, we might assume everything is easily discoverable. But as corporate algorithms increasingly dictate what we see and know, as libraries face renewed censorship campaigns, and as LGBTQ+ voices face systematic erasure, the need for independent documentation becomes not just relevant but urgent.
What We Document
This bibliography is precisely that—a catalog of lesbian literature across diverse genres, not a physical collection. We primarily focus on traditionally published print books, with a commitment to documenting works that have made it through established publishing channels. The bibliography includes:
- Fiction and non-fiction titles with lesbian representation
- Works spanning multiple decades of publishing history
- Various genres from academic texts to pulp paperbacks
- Primarily English-language publications
- Books that have materialized in physical form rather than digital-only releases
Our Approach
Unlike algorithmic recommendations or corporate-curated lists, this bibliography prioritizes comprehensiveness. Each entry is verified, where possible, for its relevance to lesbian culture, experiences, and themes. Such titles receive up to two possible ratings:
- A quality rating (1-5 stars) based on literary merit
- A “lesbian-positive” rating (from “great” to “trash”) evaluating representation
This dual rating system acknowledges that a book can be brilliantly written yet problematic in its portrayal of lesbian characters, or straightforward in style yet revolutionary in its representation.
This bibliography remains independently maintained and grows daily, with 2-3 new works added every day to ensure the record stays current with new releases and finds the old, hidden history.
Why Independent Documentation Matters
In a media landscape increasingly dominated by a handful of tech platforms and publishing conglomerates, independent bibliographic work creates a counterbalance—a record that exists outside profit motives and trending topics. Whether you’re:
- Seeking entertainment beyond mainstream recommendations
- Researching the evolution of lesbian representation
- Finding reflections of your own experience in literature
- Discovering the rich historical tapestry of lesbian writing
This bibliography offers a foundation for exploration unconstrained by commercial interests. This bibliography remains independently maintained—a deliberate act of cultural memory and resistance.
Search the Archive
Explore the collection: Browse the 17,000+ titles in the Bibliography.