June marks the start of Pride Month, a time to celebrate and uplift the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ writers in Canada. Here are some noteworthy literary works across various genres by Canadian authors from the 2SLGBTQ+ community to explore this year.
“A Minor Chorus” by Billy Ray Belcourt is a captivating novel that delves into modern queer and Indigenous experiences through the lens of an unnamed narrator who returns to his hometown. Belcourt, a writer and academic from Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta, gained recognition for his gripping debut poetry collection “This Wound is a World” and his acclaimed memoir “A History of My Brief Body.”
In “Motherclown” by Harriet Alida Lye, readers are taken on a journey with Elise and her mother Catherine as they navigate personal growth and reconciliation in Paris. Lye, a Toronto-based author, has penned several compelling works including “Let It Destroy You” and “The Honey Farm.”
H. Nigel Thomas’s “And Then Again Begin” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of relationships and hidden lives in Montreal. Thomas, a Vincentian Canadian author, has received accolades for his diverse literary contributions and resides in Montreal.
“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Reid, a Nova Scotia-based author known for her queer hockey romances, has been recognized for her engaging storytelling in the Game Changers series.
“A Kiss of Crimson Ash” by Anuja Varghese weaves a tale of love and adventure set in the fictional world of Abhaya. Varghese, an award-winning author, has garnered praise for her captivating storytelling and unique narrative style.
“Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World” by Mark Waddell is a gripping tale of ambition and consequences. Waddell, a writer and teacher from Vancouver Island, presents a thrilling debut novel that explores the price of ambition and the power of choice.
These diverse and engaging works by talented 2SLGBTQ+ writers in Canada offer readers a chance to explore a wide range of themes and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, making them essential additions to any reading list this year.