Food is an essential part of culture, identity, and community. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, cooking is not only a source of nourishment but also a way to express creativity, share stories, and build connections. The following cookbooks, written by LGBTQ+ authors, showcase diverse cuisines, flavours, and experiences. Whether you’re looking for plant-based recipes, hearty comfort foods, or adventurous culinary journeys, these cookbooks will bring the essence of the LGBTQ+ community right to your kitchen.
1. "A Table for Friends" by Skye McAlpine
Skye McAlpine’s warm, inviting cookbook celebrates the joy of gathering with loved ones around the table. While not explicitly focused on LGBTQ+ themes, McAlpine, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, shares recipes inspired by her life in Venice and London. The book’s ethos is about building community through food, something that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ folks looking to create welcoming spaces for friends and family.
Key Features:
- Simple, elegant recipes perfect for entertaining
- Mediterranean-inspired dishes
- Stunning photography and personal stories
2. "Feeding a Family: A Real-Life Plan for Making Dinner Work" by Sarah Waldman
Sarah Waldman’s cookbook is for LGBTQ+ families looking to simplify dinner time. It offers practical meal ideas that work for busy households while focusing on nutrition and ease. Waldman, who identifies as LGBTQ+, crafts recipes that are wholesome, approachable, and family-friendly, making it a great resource for parents and caretakers.
Key Features:
- Seasonal recipes for family dinners
- Tips for planning and prepping meals ahead
- Nourishing and easy-to-make dishes
3. "Cook as You Are" by Ruby Tandoh
Former "Great British Bake Off" finalist Ruby Tandoh brings her vibrant personality and culinary talent to this inclusive and accessible cookbook. "Cook as You Are" encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves in the kitchen, making cooking an act of self-expression. Ruby, a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues, provides an uplifting and diverse range of recipes designed for all skill levels.
Key Features:
- Realistic recipes with adaptable ingredients
- Inclusive and body-positive cooking
- Budget-friendly meals for everyday cooking
4. "Thrifty Kitchen: Over 120 Delicious Money-Saving Recipes and Home Hacks" by Jack Monroe
Jack Monroe, a celebrated LGBTQ+ chef and food poverty activist, offers a practical guide to cooking on a budget with "Thrifty Kitchen." This cookbook is perfect for anyone looking to make nutritious and delicious meals without breaking the bank. With over 120 recipes, Monroe shares her expert tips for reducing food waste, stretching ingredients, and maximizing flavor with minimal cost. Her down-to-earth, accessible style ensures that cooking becomes a source of empowerment, especially for those facing financial challenges.
Key Features:
- Over 120 budget-friendly recipes
- Clever tips for reducing food waste and saving money
- Simple, nutritious meals for everyday cooking
- Helpful home hacks for efficient and affordable living
This book is ideal for readers who want to make the most out of their grocery budget while still enjoying flavourful and satisfying meals.
5. "The Modern Cook's Year" by Anna Jones
Anna Jones, a celebrated LGBTQ+ chef and food writer, focuses on seasonal, plant-based cooking in "The Modern Cook’s Year." Divided into sections based on the seasons, this cookbook emphasizes sustainability and health while making vegetables the star of every meal. It’s an excellent choice for LGBTQ+ individuals who prioritize plant-based eating and want to align their diet with the seasons.
Key Features:
- Seasonal, vegetarian recipes
- Sustainable and eco-friendly cooking tips
- Beautifully photographed, with inspiring recipes
6. "Eat Up!" by Ruby Tandoh
Ruby Tandoh’s second cookbook, "Eat Up!," is part food philosophy and part recipe book. Tandoh explores the relationship between food, identity, and mental health, celebrating the freedom that comes with eating for pleasure. This LGBTQ+ cookbook is a must-read for anyone who wants to break free from restrictive diets and embrace the joy of cooking and eating.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on joyful eating and body positivity
- Thought-provoking essays on food culture
- Accessible, comfort-food recipes
Bryant Terry is a celebrated vegan chef, food justice activist, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. In "Vegetable Kingdom," Terry presents a collection of Afro-Asian-inspired vegan recipes that are flavourful, nutritious, and deeply rooted in cultural tradition. This book is a celebration of plant-based cooking and culinary heritage, perfect for LGBTQ+ readers interested in ethical and creative eating.
7. "Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes" by Bryant Terry
Bryant Terry is a celebrated vegan chef, food justice activist, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. In "Vegetable Kingdom," Terry presents a collection of Afro-Asian-inspired vegan recipes that are flavorful, nutritious, and deeply rooted in cultural tradition. This book is a celebration of plant-based cooking and culinary heritage, perfect for LGBTQ+ readers interested in ethical and creative eating.
Key Features:
- Afro-Asian-inspired vegan recipes
- Focus on cultural traditions and plant-based eating
- Tips for sustainable cooking and food justice
8. "A Drag Queen's Guide to Life" by Bimini Bon Boulash
While not strictly a cookbook, "A Drag Queen’s Guide to Life" by Bimini Bon Boulash features fun and flirty recipes alongside empowering advice for embracing your true self. Bimini, a star from "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK," mixes humour, confidence, and practical kitchen tips to help readers enjoy cooking while embracing their inner queen. This is a light hearted and entertaining guide that pairs delicious recipes with self-love.
Key Features:
- Fun and easy-to-make recipes
- Entertaining and empowering advice
- LGBTQ+ representation from a drag queen icon
9. "Queer Eye: Antoni in the Kitchen" by Antoni Porowski
"Queer Eye" star Antoni Porowski brings his love of food and passion for self-care to his first cookbook, "Antoni in the Kitchen." This book is filled with personal stories and simple yet flavourful recipes that reflect Antoni’s culinary background and experiences as a queer chef. It’s a celebration of comfort food and fresh ingredients, perfect for LGBTQ+ home cooks looking to elevate their meals.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-follow recipes with fresh ingredients
- Personal stories and insights from Antoni
- Comfort foods with a modern twist
10. "Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi & Helen Goh"
Yotam Ottolenghi, an openly gay chef, teams up with Helen Goh to create "Sweet," a stunning collection of dessert recipes. This book is perfect for LGBTQ+ home bakers who want to add a touch of indulgence to their meals. From cakes and cookies to tarts and candies, "Sweet" offers an array of luxurious and flavourful treats that are sure to impress.
Key Features:
- Decadent and creative dessert recipes
- Gorgeous photography and detailed instructions
- Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
11. "Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck" by Matt Holloway & Michelle Davis
Thug Kitchen, founded by LGBTQ+ duo Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis, takes a bold and unapologetic approach to vegan cooking. Their cookbook is packed with vibrant, plant-based recipes that are accessible, affordable, and full of flavour. The humour and irreverence in "Thug Kitchen" make it a fun and engaging read, while the recipes offer an exciting entry point into veganism.
Key Features:
- Fun, bold language with plant-based recipes
- Affordable, approachable meals
- Great for those new to vegan cooking
12. "Tassajara Cookbook" by Edward Espe Brown
Written by Edward Espe Brown, an openly gay Zen priest, "The Tassajara Cookbook" blends spirituality and mindfulness with cooking. Based on the recipes from the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, this vegetarian cookbook offers simple, wholesome dishes that nourish both body and soul. It’s perfect for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking peace, balance, and grounding through food.
- Vegetarian recipes with a spiritual focus
- Simple, wholesome ingredients
- Encourages mindful eating and cooking
Key Features:
13. "The Joy of Cooking" by Irma Rombauer (Updated by John Becker and Megan Scott)
"The Joy of Cooking" has been a staple in kitchens for decades, but its 2019 edition was updated by LGBTQ+ authors John Becker and Megan Scott. This comprehensive cookbook offers thousands of recipes that span everything from basic techniques to gourmet dishes. Becker and Scott have infused the book with a modern and inclusive spirit, making it a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ cooks of all levels.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive guide with thousands of recipes
- Modern updates for today’s home cooks
- Inclusive and versatile for all levels of experience
These 13 LGBTQ+ written cookbooks showcase the diversity, creativity, and joy of the queer community through food. By supporting LGBTQ+ authors and adding these cookbooks to your collection, you're not only enriching your culinary repertoire but also celebrating the unique stories and experiences that come from the heart of the community. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just getting started in the kitchen, these books offer something for everyone—flavour, inspiration, and a sense of connection.