True Colors Book Club

The True Colors Book Club is hosted by Bloomington Public Library, PFLAG Bloomington-Normal, and Prairie Pride Coalition. It is welcoming of all age groups and any member of the public who can respect this safe space for our LGBTQ community. The group will discuss books with themes relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to book discussion and socializing, the group will also serve as a source of support and safety for all members. A specific novel, story collection, or non-fiction title is selected in advance for discussion, although general discussion about LGBTQ+ literature may follow the discussion of the selected title.

The True Colors Book Club meets quarterly. Upcoming book club meetings are listed to the right. Registration is required and can be completed online. Click on the date you would like to attend to register online. You may also register by calling 309.590.6168 or by visiting us in person at the library Help Desk on the second floor. Meetings are held at Unitarian Universalist Church.

The Library receives extra print copies of book club books leading up to the date of the meeting. To reserve one of the extra print copies of the next title to be discussed, contact the Help Desk by phone at 309.590.6168 or by email to reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org. Digital copies of each title (eBook or eAudiobook) may also be available through the Libby or Hoopla Apps. 

March 13, 2025

Fourteen-year-old Aiden Rothe's life is full of secrets, and his sexuality is only the tip of the iceberg. While his high school wrestling team views gay and strong as mutually exclusive, Aiden is determined to prove them wrong. It's time for a gay athlete to take top prize... if only he wasn't crushing hard on Mateo Hernandez, captain of the JV wrestling team and a major heartthrob.

June 12, 2025

Schuyler Bailar, offers an essential guide about gender and identity. Trans people are under attack in sports, healthcare, school curriculum, bathrooms, bars, and nearly every walk of life. This book compassionately addresses topics like why being transgender is not a choice and why pronouns are important, to more complex issues including how gender-affirming healthcare can be lifesaving and why allowing trans youth to play sports is good for all kids.

September 11, 2025

Set in 1952, the Lamontaine family are reeling after the death of Irene Lamontaine, head of the famous Lamontaine soap empire. Irene’s recipes for her signature scents are a well guarded secret―but it's not the only one behind these gates of Lavender House. This estate offers a unique freedom, where none of the residents or staff hide who they are. But to keep their secret, they've needed to keep others out. And now they're worried they're keeping a murderer in.

December 11, 2025

Julia Shaw probes the science and culture of attraction beyond the binary. From the invention of heterosexuality to the history of the Kinsey scale, as well as asylum seekers trying to defend their bisexuality in a court of law, there is a lot to explore. Drawing on her own original research—and her own experiences—this is an exploration of the complexities of the human sexual experience and a declaration of love and respect for the nonconformists among us.