As Pride Month draws to a close, the conversations it inspires should not end with it. Pride is a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities, but it is also an opportunity to listen, learn and discover stories that broaden our understanding of identity, inclusion and belonging. The work of creating more inclusive societies continues throughout the year, through everyday conversations, education and a willingness to engage with different perspectives.

To mark the end of Pride Month, the SexSense members have come together to recommend books, films, podcasts, educational resources and guides that have informed their work or inspired them personally. Whether you are an educator, youth worker, parent, ally or simply curious to learn more, we hope these recommendations offer a valuable starting point – and encourage learning that extends well beyond June.

To understand the basics

If you’re just beginning to explore LGBTQIA+ topics – or would like a refresher on key concepts – these short educational videos recommended by CSI provide an accessible introduction to the language, identities and concepts that underpin inclusive practice.

• What does LGBTIQ+ mean? – An introduction to the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions represented within the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Intersectionality 101 – A clear explanation of how different aspects of identity interact to shape people’s experiences of privilege and discrimination.
• What is SOGIESC? – An overview of the concepts of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.
• Gender identity and pronouns – A practical guide to understanding gender identity and the importance of using respectful, inclusive language.

Together, these videos offer a solid foundation for anyone wishing to better understand LGBTQIA+ experiences and contribute to more inclusive environments.

For families, allies and support networks

Understanding and accepting LGBTQIA+ identities is not a journey undertaken alone. Families, friends and allies all play an important role in creating supportive environments.

The RainbowFam Resource Guide (available in English,Greek, Dutch and Italian) explores the experiences of rainbow families and the ways family relationships intersect with identity, wellbeing and mental health. The guide offers practical insights into building resilience, strengthening family bonds and supporting loved ones through the process of self-discovery. By acknowledging both the challenges and the joys of LGBTQIA+ family life, it serves as a valuable resource for families and allies alike.

Listen to lived experiences

Personal stories often reveal dimensions of identity and inclusion that statistics alone cannot capture.

The IgnitedPower Podcast (with episodes in English and others in Spanish), recommended by RESET, creates space for honest conversations around identity, empowerment and belonging within LGBTQIA+ communities. Through interviews and personal reflections, the series explores topics including racialised voices within LGBTQIA+ communities, trans rights, safe workplaces and the importance of community support. By amplifying diverse lived experiences, the podcast invites listeners to reflect on how inclusive spaces can be created where everyone feels seen, valued and empowered.

For a research-based perspective on lived experiences and the role of social realities, Beyond the Pink Curtain: Everyday Life of LGBT People in Eastern Europe, edited by Roman Kuhar and Judit Takács for The Peace Institute, remains one of the first comprehensive English-language collections examining the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people across Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on social research, it provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of queer people in a region still shaped by the legacy of the Iron Curtain.

Stories that stay with you: films and series

Stories have the power to foster empathy and help us understand experiences different from our own. These films and series explore identity, love, belonging and self-discovery from a range of perspectives.

Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds is a compelling documentary following one of the world’s most visible openly gay athletes from his first Olympic Games to becoming an Olympic champion. Alongside sporting success, it explores grief, public scrutiny, family life, coming out and mental health, illustrating the importance of being able to tell one’s own story.

Call Me by Your Name is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age film about first love, desire and emotional awakening, capturing the vulnerability and intensity of discovering both oneself and another person.

Academy Award-winning Moonlight follows a young Black man through three stages of his life as he navigates sexuality, masculinity, poverty and the search for belonging, offering a deeply moving portrait of identity and resilience.

Finally, the Netflix series Sex Education approaches sexuality, relationships and growing up with warmth, humour and honesty. Its diverse LGBTQIA+ representation and empathetic storytelling have made it one of the most inclusive portrayals of young people’s experiences on screen.

To deepen your understanding

For readers looking to explore LGBTQIA+ themes in greater depth, our members recommend titles that combine practical guidance, research and powerful storytelling.

Sex Ed: An Inclusive Teenage Guide to Sex and Relationships is an accessible and non-judgemental guide for young people, covering topics including relationships, consent, online safety and inclusive environments. Drawing on the School of Sexuality Education’s experience of working with young people every day, it also includes dedicated guidance for teachers, parents and carers, making it a valuable resource beyond its teenage audience.

In Life as a Unicorn: A Journey from Shame to Pride and Everything in Between, by Amrou Al-Kadhi, readers follow a deeply personal memoir charting one person’s journey from growing up as a religious Muslim boy to becoming a queer drag performer. Both humorous and deeply moving, it is ultimately a story about identity, belonging and self-acceptance.

For lovers of fiction, The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller offers a lyrical retelling of the Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus, presenting their relationship as a profound love story that explores devotion, identity and loss.

One final recommendation: Flags, by Coldplay

While not explicitly written about LGBTQIA+ experiences, the song’s message of belonging, acceptance and finding strength in one another resonates strongly with the values celebrated throughout Pride.

Because learning about diversity, inclusion and human rights is not something reserved for one month of the year. It is an ongoing process – one that grows through curiosity, empathy and the stories we choose to hear.