Ink & Identity

Two Books, One Theme: When Queer and POC Stories Speak to Each Other A new kind of review — where identity meets empathy, and difference deepens connection. Why This Series Exists We talk a lot about representation — and we should. But sometimes, we get stuck in categories: “This is a queer story.” “That’s a Black story.” “This one is Latinx.” “That one is trans.” What if we paused the labeling — and started listening? In this new review series, we’re pairing one LGBTQ+ book with one by a POC author to explore how different lived experiences still circle the same emotional truth. Whether the theme is identity, grief, resilience, or love, we’re asking: How do two distinct voices tell one universal story — and what can we learn when we read across that difference? It’s not about comparison. It’s about conversation — across cultures, orientations, and emotional truths. Let’s begin. This Week’s Theme: Belonging When the World Says You Don’t For our debut pairing, we’re looking ...

  Why Representation in Middle Grade Fiction Matters More Than Ever Especially through the lens of intersectionality Introduction: The First Time We See Ourselves Middle grade fiction is often treated like a literary stopover — the place between picture books and “serious” novels. But for many children, it’s the first time they encounter complex characters, layered plots, and subtle messages about who they are, and who they’re allowed to be. And for children living at the intersections — queer, disabled, Black, Muslim, neurodivergent, or any combination of identities — that first reflection matters. Because for them, books aren't just mirrors or windows. They're lifelines. What’s at Stake When middle grade fiction lacks representation, it doesn’t just erase characters — it erases possibilities. A child may begin to internalize the idea that stories with people like them either: Don’t exist Always end in pain Are only told through stereotypes This absence is...

From Margin to Center: How BIPOC LGBTQ+ Authors Are Claiming Space in Mainstream Publishing There was a time when mainstream publishing only had room for certain stories — stories deemed “universal,” “relatable,” or “marketable” through the lens of whiteness, heteronormativity, and Western culture. For BIPOC LGBTQ+ authors, that often meant silence, erasure, or compromise. But today, many of those same voices are stepping into the center — not by invitation, but by insistence. This post explores what it means for queer authors of color to claim space in an industry that long kept them at its edges, and why their presence is not only powerful, but transformative. The Margins Were Never Quiet To say BIPOC LGBTQ+ writers were voiceless is a misreading of history. The truth is, they’ve been speaking — writing, publishing, performing — for decades. The silence wasn’t theirs. It belonged to the industry that refused to listen. Authors like James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and Gloria Anzaldú...

📚 10 Underrated Books by POC Authors That Deserve Way More Love Because representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about being valued. Introduction: Beyond the Bestseller List In a literary world where the same few names keep getting spotlighted, countless brilliant works by authors of color remain quietly shelved, under-marketed, or passed over by mainstream coverage. These books deserve more than a cursory mention during heritage months — they deserve celebration year-round. This post is a tribute to those hidden gems — books that resonated deeply, challenged norms, and left a cultural footprint far greater than their visibility suggests. Let’s give them their flowers. 🌺 1. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta Themes : Identity, queerness, self-expression Cultural Impact : A powerful coming-of-age verse novel about a mixed-race gay teen finding his voice through drag. Why It Deserves More Love : It dismantles toxic masculinity while celebrating softness, vulnerabilit...

📚When Book Bans Target Identity: A Closer Look at LGBTQ+ and POC Books Under Fire Introduction In recent years, the rise in book bans across schools and libraries has sparked a national conversation about censorship, politics, and identity. While advocates argue that certain materials are inappropriate for young readers, opponents warn that these bans disproportionately target marginalized voices, particularly those of LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. The question is no longer simply about age-appropriateness—it's about power, erasure, and the right to be seen. This article explores the recent surge in book bans, the political motivations behind them, and why diverse stories are more vital now than ever. I. Understanding the Surge in Book Bans The American Library Association reported a record-breaking number of book challenges in 2023, with titles featuring LGBTQ+ themes, racial justice, and historical trauma topping the list. Many of these bans are implemented at the st...

🌈 From Subtext to Spotlight: How LGBTQ+ Characters Have Transformed YA Literature A critical yet personal exploration through key books Introduction: A Shelf That Once Felt Empty The first time I truly saw myself reflected in a book, I was already well into adulthood. As a teen, the YA section felt like a closet — vast and full of secrets, but rarely open to queerness. When LGBTQ+ characters did appear, they often existed in the margins or met tragic ends. But over the past two decades, something beautiful has happened: LGBTQ+ narratives have stepped out of the shadows and taken center stage in young adult literature. This is both a critical analysis and a personal journey — a reflection on how far we've come, and how far we still have to go. Phase One: The Lonely Years (Pre-2010s) YA books with LGBTQ+ characters weren’t impossible to find — but they were rare, and their portrayals often reinforced isolation, shame, or tragedy. Take Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden (1982), a quie...