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Cover of Queerphoria

Queerphoria

Written by Various,Seth Insua,Elle Nash,Carrie Marshall,James Cahill,Joelle Taylor,Joshua Jones,Gerardo Sámano Córdova,Chloe Michelle Howarth,Dylin Hardcastle,William Rayfet Hunter

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3 pages, about 4 minutes of reading

Fiction

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About this book

The inaugural collection in the new VERVE Voices series, Queerphoria is a joyful and defiant queer-authored anthology proudly supporting Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Four housemates welcome the reader into their home for a birthday party. An elderly widow visits her first queer bar, beneath the flat she shared with her husband. A couple invite a shipwrecked sailor into their isolated lighthouse on the stormy night of their thirtieth anniversary. A single woman embarks on a romantic relationship with a sex robot. A married couple secretly prepare for their baby's arrival in a world where procreation is controlled by the Establishment. Through prose, poetry, essays, illustrations and more, twenty-one writers bring their visions of euphoria to life. These pages celebrate, subvert, expand and reimagine what joy can look like, even in uncertain times. Switchboard will receive a £1 donation from every copy sold. Includes contributions from: Amil (translated by Joheun Lee) | Santanu Bhattacharya | Maame Blue | James Cahill | Jenny Chamarette | Gerardo Sámano Córdova | Soula Emmanuel | Selali Fiamanya | Eve Gleichman | Remi Graves | Dylin Hardcastle | Chloe Michelle Howarth | William Rayfet Hunter | Seth Insua | Joshua Jones | Laura Kay | Carrie Marshall | Peo Michie | Elle Nash | Peter Scalpello | Joelle Taylor About Switchboard: For over 50 years, Switchboard has supported the LGBTQIA+ community through challenges and triumphs, offering a listening ear in difficult times and moments of joy. Their support is completely free and available wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that's via phone (0800 0119 100), chat (switchboard.lgbt) or email ([email protected]). Switchboard's services are open from 10 AM to 10 PM, every single day of the year. Their trained volunteers are available to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity; whether it's sexual health, relationships or just the way you're feeling. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Queerphoria, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • imaginative
  • thought-provoking

Queerphoria is a vibrant anthology of speculative fiction that celebrates and explores the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals through diverse genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Curated to showcase emerging voices, the collection delves into themes of identity, community, resilience, and the reimagining of futures beyond heteronormative constraints. Each story offers a unique lens on queer existence, from utopian visions to dystopian struggles, collectively painting a rich tapestry of queer joy, defiance, and profound self-discovery within imaginative landscapes.

“Our future was not a gift, but a garden we tended with defiant hands and hopeful hearts.”

Key themes

Queer Identity and Self-Discovery
This theme is central to every story, exploring the multifaceted journey of understanding, accepting, and affirming one's queer identity. Narratives delve into the nuances of sexual orientation, gender identity, and the liberation found in authentic self-expression. Speculative elements often serve to externalize internal struggles or provide unique contexts for identity formation.
Community and Chosen Family
Many stories emphasize the profound importance of finding and building communities with shared experiences, particularly when biological families or dominant societies are unaccepting. This theme highlights the resilience and joy found in solidarity, mutual support, and the creation of spaces where queer individuals can thrive without judgment.
Resistance and Rebellion
This theme explores the various forms of resistance queer characters undertake against oppressive systems, whether they are overtly hostile governments, subtle societal prejudices, or internalized phobias. It celebrates acts of defiance, both grand and subtle, that challenge the status quo and fight for liberation and justice.

Worth discussing

How does speculative fiction allow for a deeper exploration of queer identity and experience compared to realistic fiction?

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