Creator Spotlight: Pronouns May Vary

Pronouns May Vary aims to uplift the works of gender diverse, trans, nonbinary, and intersex authors and publishing professionals. It’s a recent initiative, and already they have curated numerous books about and by gender diverse authors.

Organizations and curators like We Need Diverse Books, BIPOC Bookshelf, Disability in Kidlit, Queer SFF Book Database, and more provide resources for people seeking diverse and overlooked books. Recently created coalition Pronouns May Vary serves as a resource and curator for gender diverse books in various genres and target audiences like Young Adult and picture books.

Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, LGBTQ+ books (particularly middle grade and Young Adult) were pretty scarce. Other than Annie on My Mind and books by Julie Anne Peters, I rarely came across traditionally published Queer books that weren’t about the coming out experience. I craved science fiction and fantasy with Queer characters, having adventures like their straight cis counterparts. I wanted Queer stories with Black, Indigenous, Asian, people of color, disabled characters and so on.

Fortunately, things are gradually changing (with more work to be done, of course). More and more Queer books from a variety of experiences and narratives are being traditionally published. However, these books aren’t always accessible to Queer kids and young adults, either because of queerphobic parents or schools discouraging attention to LGBTQ+ works. More books about trans, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse characters are also being acquired and published today. It’s essential for schools and libraries to look to initiatives like Pronouns May Vary so that Queer youth can have access to these stories.

According to the official site, Pronouns May Vary is planning to have craft panels and workshops with gender diverse creators and professionals. Gender diverse writers seeking guidance during the querying process can check out the launchpad page, where they can submit a critique request. The team for Pronouns May Vary is still being formed and finalized. Feedback and queries regarding open volunteer positions can be sent here.

You can support Pronouns May Vary through their Bookshop page.

Author: Bradda M.

Bradda M. currently lives in Virginia. He teaches ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) at a public school and spends his free time reading and watching movies each night with his partner. For The Geekiary, he writes about webcomics and SFF media.

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