Bad Queer — a verse novel about a nonbinary teenager
In Australia, ABC News Australia reported on the verse novel Bad Queer, written by London-based writer Gayathiri Kamalakanthan and illustrated by Chicago artist Chi Nwosu. The young adult book tells the story of Surya, a nonbinary teenager in their final year of school who is trying to accept themself.
Surya has come out to their parents, who are queer and nonbinary people, as well as to their close friend Maha, but has not yet told everyone around them. The character experiences misgendering and bullying over their appearance, and also reflects on their first romantic feelings.
Poetry and illustrations
Nwosu’s line drawings complement the text, showing everyday details and Surya’s inner state. They accompany, among other things, scenes of keeping a diary, a family game of Scrabble, and breathing exercises in a school restroom. Kamalakanthan said that poetry and illustrations encourage the reader to interpret and co-create the story.
Nwosu describes themself as a Black nonbinary queer person, artist and designer of Nigerian-American heritage. They said they recognized in Surya their own experience as a person who did not fit into binary frameworks. While working on the book, Nwosu studied Tamil symbolism in order to use it respectfully in their work.
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Theatre and relationships
Surya’s life changes after an audition for the school youth theatre. In the troupe led by Mr Ali, the character finds a safe space, new friends, and meets Blessing — a British person of Ghanaian heritage who is interested in acting and photography.
Kamalakanthan explained that the storyline of Surya and Blessing’s relationship was partly inspired by their experience working as a teacher of sex and relationships education. The author wanted to show conversations about consent, personal boundaries, and a comfortable approach to physical intimacy. In their words, young people also need examples of caring relationships based on consent.
Bad Queer is published by Allen & Unwin. Kamalakanthan sought to portray a family in which Surya’s transgender identity is a natural part of life alongside ordinary family difficulties and closeness.
