Who is portrayed in LGBTQ+ youth literature? : A study on representation and recognition of LGBTQ+ people in the book tips of two bibliographies

Swedish public libraries must pay special attention to children and adolescents and offer a wide range of literature that meets the needs of all users. For young LGBTQ+ people, literature can provide confirmation and support their identity formation. This study therefore examines whether all LGBTQ+ identities are represented in youth literature, and what image of LGBTQ+ is conveyed through it. This is done by conducting a quantitative content analysis of 57 book tips of LGBTQ+ youth novels presented in two bibliographies. Using a coding scheme, the contents of the book tips are coded to determine which LGBTQ+ identities are represented. The theory used is Axel Honneth's theory of recognition which means that people must receive recognition from others in order to develop their identity and a positive self-relationship. The result shows that a large majority of the novels depict homosexuality. There are also a few depictions of bisexuality, trans*, intersex and queer. However, none of the novels portray characters who identify as pansexual, asexual or nonbinary/intergender/genderqueer. This means that it is primarily homosexuals who are recognized through literature and library collections. Other LGBTQ+ identities are recognized to a much lesser extent or not at all, which suggests an unequal treatment of LGBTQ+ people and the dissemination of a misleading image of LGBTQ+. However, there has been a change over time. Both the publication of LGBTQ+ youth literature and the diversity of representation have increased over the past forty years. Despite the positive trend of inclusion, some LGBTQ+ identities still lack representation in the literature and in library collections