2021 Spotlight: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Authors and Their Impactful Works

Highlighting Groundbreaking Stories and Voices from the LGBTQ+ Literary World

While Pride Month might be the highlight of June, the celebration of LGBTQ+ voices extends throughout the year.

In 2021, an array of talented LGBTQ+ authors released captivating books spanning various genres, from historical fiction to memoirs.

Here’s a glimpse into some of these remarkable works and the minds behind them.

Robert Jones Jr.: A Voice of Justice

Robert Jones Jr., a Black, gay author from New York, is renowned for his social justice-focused writings in prestigious publications like The New York Times and The Paris Review. He's also the founder of the Son of Baldwin community.

2021 Release: "The Prophets" Jones Jr.’s 2021 novel, "The Prophets," delves into a poignant tale of love between two enslaved men in the antebellum South, weaving a narrative rich in historical detail and emotional depth.

Chella Man: Artist, Activist, Storyteller

Chella Man, celebrated for his work as an actor, model, artist, and LGBT activist, proudly represents the transgender, genderqueer, deaf, and Jewish people of color communities. His YouTube channel further amplifies his diverse experiences.

2021 Release: "Continuum" In "Continuum," part of Penguin Random House's Pocket Change Collective, Man recounts his journey of self-discovery and creating his unique space in the world, offering a powerful perspective on authenticity and identity.

Krys Malcolm Belc: Chronicles of Nonbinary Parenthood

Krys Malcolm Belc, a nonbinary, transmasculine essayist, and parent, shares his distinctive experiences through his poignant writings.

A former teacher turned MFA graduate, Belc’s works resonate deeply with diverse audiences.

2021 Release: "The Natural Mother of the Child: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood" This memoir navigates Belc’s journey as a trans parent, from conception to parenthood, offering an introspective look into his life as listed as “the natural mother of the child” on his son’s birth certificate.

Randa Jarrar: Exploring Queer, Arab-American Narratives

Randa Jarrar’s writing spans essays, performances, and translations, with her work featuring in The New York Times Magazine and Salon.

As a queer, Arab-American writer, Jarrar brings a unique perspective to her storytelling.

2021 Release: "Love Is an Ex-country" "Love Is an Ex-country" follows the journey of a fat, queer, Muslim-Arab single mother across the United States. This fiction novel intertwines reflections on the Southern U.S. legacy, childhood memories, and American culture.

A.E. Osworth: Gaming Culture Through a Trans Lens

A.E. Osworth, a transgender novelist and educator, intertwines their passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of digital culture, bringing a unique perspective to their work.

Their writing has graced platforms such as Autostraddle and Quartz, showcasing a blend of technology, culture, and identity.

2021 Release: "We Are Watching Eliza Bright" This novel skillfully bridges real-life and online worlds. It focuses on Eliza Bright, a game developer confronting online harassment from Reddit trolls angered by her stance against misogyny in the gaming industry.

Osworth’s narrative is a timely exploration of virtual spaces and their impact on personal and societal levels.

The year 2021 saw these and many other LGBTQ+ authors bring forth works that span a spectrum of experiences and genres, enriching the literary world with their diverse voices.

These books not only entertain but also educate, empower, and provide insight into the multifaceted lives within the LGBTQ+ community.