We asked some key players in LGBTQ literature what they are doing to push boundaries in that category. Here’s what they had to say.
“RedBone Press pushes boundaries in LGBTQ literature by its very existence. I publish books that celebrate cultures of black lesbians and gay men, and books that promote understanding between black gays and lesbians and the black mainstream. RedBone Press books are nationally recognized and taught at universities across the U.S.” —Lisa C. Moore, publisher, RedBone Press
“I still see very little bisexual representation in literature, but science fiction has always had a bisexuality trope. One thing Circlet Press has always done is fight bisexual invisibility with representation in our books and anthologies. Our Gressive Press imprint specifically looks for books outside the binary, bisexual, trans, genderqueer, and impossible to label.” —Cecilia Tan, publisher, Circlet Press
“Lethe Press is actively pursuing titles for our Tincture imprint, which is dedicated to publishing LGBT writers of color, with over a dozen titles as of May. We also have been offering more of our titles in audiobook format, which pleases both authors and listeners.” —Steve Berman, publisher, Lethe Press
“Pushing boundaries is the Bold Strokes Books mission. We represent the diversity of LGBTQ lives, both in terms of sexual/gender identities and intersectionality, in titles across all adult and YA genres. And we constantly add new distribution platforms—retail and library—to deliver books to readers worldwide.” —Ruth Sternglantz, consulting editor, Bold Strokes Books
“We’ve broadened our content from a focus on M/M contemporary. Now, we publish in a number of subgenres: new adult, westerns, time travel, steampunk, contemporaries, BDSM/kink, paranormal, and sci-fi/fantasy. We also have a variety of menage books featuring M/M/F scenarios, and we’re looking to expand our lesbian romance titles.” —Latoya C. Smith, executive editor, Samhain Publishing
“We publish LGBTQ authors who are asking difficult questions about themselves and the world around them. In particular, this includes books on gender and intersectionality, and books that speak to the new generation, in genres such as young adult fiction and graphic novels.” —Brian Lam, publisher, Arsenal Pulp Press
