THE ABC’S OF LGBT+ BY ASH HARDELL
“The ABC’s of LGBT+” differs a little from the other
books on this list, offering up a detailed, inclusive and
accessible educational resource for anyone looking to
learn more about the LGBT+ community and all the
different identities within. Ash Hardell is a prominent
LGBT+ educator on YouTube who actively seeks to use
their platform to promote understanding and accep-
tance of the myriad gender and sexual identities in the
world. They have spent years putting out educational
content, helping both those outside the community and
those within learn about the people around them and,
potentially, themselves. The “ABC’s of LGBT+” serves as
an inclusive encyclopedia of sorts that helps promote the
goals Hardell pushes for with their channel, including a
helpful glossary, detailed footnotes and an information-
al yet light-hearted tone. In an effort to make their work
even more inclusive, Hardell features several anecdotes
and illustrations by other queer folk, working to give
those of all identities the voice and representation they
are not often afforded. The book works wonderfully as
both leisurely reading and a reference text, even having
worked its way into some curriculums around the globe.
THE AMAZING BOOK IS NOT ON FIRE
BY DAN AND PHIL
One would be remiss to write about books by You-
Tubers without acknowledging “The Amazing Book
is Not on Fire,” by creative duo Dan Howell and Phil
Lester. Across both their personal and collaborative
channels, Dan and Phil have accrued a gargantuan
audience with their light-hearted and uplifting com-
edy and general universal likeability. Their content is
a little bit of everything: humor, discussions, games,
challenges and most anything else you’d seen on the
YouTube front page, but they always manage to put
their own spin on it.
“TABINOF” draws on these bases in every respect
and shows just as much variety in its pages as the
boys do on their channels. Readers can find personal
anecdotes, diary excerpts, quizzes, activities and
more, each section dripping with everything that
makes Dan and Phil who they are. The book serves a
fantastic purpose in respect to their online presences.
It is both a perfect starting point for those unfamiliar
with the pair and a fun way for fans to feel like a part
of the family they have built.GUIDES
9 Must-read Books from Your Favorite YouTube Creators