June marks the celebration of Pride Month! In honor of this occasion, we’re showcasing the latest fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and comics by 2SLGBTQ+ writers in Canada that you should consider adding to your reading list this year.
Billy Ray Belcourt’s novel “A Minor Chorus” explores the journey of an unnamed narrator who returns to his hometown, engaging in pivotal conversations that shed light on contemporary queer and Indigenous experiences.
Harriet Alida Lye’s “Motherclown” delves into the story of Elise, who pursues clowning in Paris after her father’s passing, while her mother, Catherine, seeks a renewed sense of creativity in the same city.
H. Nigel Thomas’ “And Then Again Begin” narrates the lives of two married men in Montreal, navigating hidden truths and past traumas amidst societal expectations.
Rachel Reid’s “Heated Rivalry” follows the evolving relationship between rival hockey players, Shane and Ilya, as they grapple with the balance between their love for the game and each other.
Anuja Varghese’s “A Kiss of Crimson Ash” intertwines the destinies of Taara, Garjan, Roland, and an ancient goddess in a quest to thwart a power-hungry king’s ambitions.
Loghan Paylor’s “The Cure for Drowning” tells the tale of Kit and Rebekah, entangled in a love triangle that spans through wartime, family strains, and personal growth.
Ziyad Saadi’s “Three Parties” unravels the story of Firas Dareer, a queer Palestinian refugee, planning to come out during his birthday dinner amidst a series of unexpected events.
Emily Austin’s “Is This A Cry For Help?” delves into a librarian’s journey of resilience and advocacy after a personal crisis disrupts her professional life.
Brandi Bird’s “Pitiful” offers a poignant collection of poetry reflecting on depression, body image, and the intersection of sexuality and mental health.
Mark Waddell’s debut novel “Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World” weaves a tale of ambition, consequences, and an unforeseen pact that unleashes ancient darkness.
Rebecca Păpucaru’s “As Good a Place as Any” explores Paulina’s pursuit of stardom amidst personal and political turmoil, unraveling the complexities of identity, ambition, and community.
Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha’s “The Way Disabled People Love Each Other” is a profound collection of poems that navigate grief, love, and resilience within marginalized communities.
Roza Nozari’s memoir “All the Parts We Exile” recounts her journey as a queer Iranian-Canadian, grappling with identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
Jordan Abel’s “Dad Era” delves into the complexities of fatherhood, masculinity, and societal expectations through a lens of impending collapse.
Whitney French’s “Syncopation” presents a dystopian narrative following O and Z as they navigate a world plagued by natural disasters and personal crises.
Eddy Boudel Tan’s “The Tiger and the Cosmonaut” tells the haunting tale of Casper Han’s return to his hometown, confronting past mysteries and personal demons.
Zena Sharman’s “Staying Power” offers a compelling collection of essays reflecting on queerness, family, and resilience amidst trauma and healing.
Lee Lai’s “Cannon” explores themes of friendship, identity, and self-discovery through the story of a cook navigating personal upheaval and transformative experiences.
Nalo Hopkinson’s “Blackheart Man” immerses readers in the magical world of Chynchin, blending folklore, history, and fantasy to explore themes of self-empowerment and identity.
Betty Baxter’s “Outspoken” chronicles her journey from Olympic athlete to LGBTQ+ advocate, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals in the world of competitive sports.
Tea Gerbeza’s “How I Bend Into More” offers a poignant exploration of disability, ableism, and trauma through a poetic narrative centered around scoliosis.
Michael V. Smith’s “Soundtrack” delves into the author’s personal experiences growing up gay amidst the AIDS epidemic, using music as a lens to reflect on love, loss, and community.
Ahmad Saber’s “Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions” follows the journey of a Muslim teen navigating faith, identity, and self-acceptance amidst a burgeoning realization of his own desires.
Alex Manley’s “Post-Man” is a candid memoir exploring the author’s journey through masculinity, neurodiversity, and self-discovery in a world shaped by societal norms and personal challenges.
These diverse and compelling works by Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ writers offer a rich tapestry of experiences, emotions, and insights that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
