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Sulu Gay Kiss Cut From “Star Trek Beyond”

An “intimate,” “welcome-home kiss” between Sulu and his husband was cut from Star Trek Beyond, says actor John Cho, who earlier this month made headlines after revealing that Sulu was gay in the latest film. In a new interview with Vulture, Cho talks about the character development and some of the concerns he had. Said Cho: I was concerned also that there might be Asian-American backlash. There has been this feminization of Asian men, so I thought this might be seen as continuing that lineage, which I disagree with personally, but I brought it up. I was also concerned, scientifically … Read more

Announcement: On Wings of Thunder, by M.D. Grimm

On Wings of Thunder

QSFer M.D. Grimm has a new MM fantasy book out: Trystan is an unchosen angel—shunned by society, bullied, and without a future. In a hidden well, Trystan discovers a carving of a dragon, who were once the commanders of demons and now believed extinct. But Trystan learns the carving doesn’t depict an ordinary dragon. Stories tell that millennia ago, the great dragon Asagoroth and his demon army nearly conquered the three realms but he was killed by the five elders. The powerful angels combined their life forces to cast a spell, sacrificing their lives. But history is full of falsehoods. The … Read more

For Readers: Are You Inspired?

Inspiring

Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Ryane Chatman: Are you inspired by what you read? Beyond the entertainment factor. It’s a good question. I do enjoy reading most speculative books, but every now and then one comes along that moves me, that makes me think for a long time after I finish it. What are some of those books in queer spec fic for you, and why? And did any inspire you to some kind of action or change? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works … Read more

Sources of Inspiration: Caravaggio’s ‘John the Baptist’

I just got a real treat last month. I went to Rome and saw my favorite Caravaggio painting in person; ‘John the Baptist’. This playful, ethereal boy is so different than the martyr, the severed head in other versions of John the Baptist. This is also very different from the two other paintings Caravaggio has done of ‘John the Baptist’, which are also in Rome. No shadow of death or despair touches this boy. He teases playfully, as he smiles coyly at us from a veneer of cloth, which enhances his nudity rather than concealing it. What is he subtly … Read more

Announcement: Native Wind, by A.M. Burns

Native Wind

QSFer A.M. Burns has a new fantasy/steampunk book out: After his family is killed by thieves, sole survivor Trey McAlister is taken in by a nearby Comanche clan. Trey has a gift for magic and the clan’s shaman, Singing Crow, makes him an apprentice. While learning to control his powers, Trey bonds with a young warrior and shape shifter, Gray Talon. When they are sent out on a quest to find the missing daughter of a dragon, they encounter the same bandits who murdered Trey’s family, as well as a man made of copper who drives Trey to dig deeper … Read more

For Writers: Morally Reprehensible Societies

Hannibal Lechter

Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Lex Chase: In spec fic, what about the portrayal of alternative societies that may or may not set well with readers? For instance, the television version of Hannibal invoked sympathy and sex appeal in Hannibal Lecter himself even if he is a morally corrupt individual. How would you convince a reader to understand in the context of the world building that the characters occupy, their society and/or practices are not morally reprehensible? How do you invoke sympathy in a villain? How are you able to understand the hero’s life isn’t wrong or horrific like … Read more

The First Transgender Superhero?

Chalice

A new comic book will be the first time a transgender superhero will lead a title. Chalice, the star of new superhero series ‘Alters’, is being described as a ‘hero for the new age’. Paul Jenkins, the comic book’s author, said the main character will have not come out to her family yet and can only present as a female when in costume. So unlike other superheroes who only have one secret identity – Chalice has two. By Joe Morgan – Full Story at Gay Star News

We Already Invented the Wheel. Where the Boys Aren’t Part 2. After Stonewall

John Allenson

The first part of discussing the herstory of all women cultures went from the early 20th century up to 1970.  Several people remarked that there hadn’t been queer-positive stories.  We’ve forgotten that part of our heritage when it was virtually impossible to publish positive images of Queer lives.  Many countries had (and still have) laws that forbid positive depictions of so-called alternative lifestyles.  To have any depiction of Lesbian lives it was necessary to have a tragic ending.  It was shocking to have a Lesbian still alive at the end of a story as in The Killing of Sister George.  … Read more

Announcement: Cosmic Inception, by Alicia Nordwell

Cosmic Inception

QSFer Alicia Nordwell has a new MM sci fi romance book out: Their journey will span the universe and back, but there’s no guarantee they’ll make it together. Though Nick and Fieo are drawn to each other, their relationship has never been easy. Their differences go beyond their races, but they’ve managed to work together to prevent the spread of corruption, growing closer along the way. Nick still battles the effects of years of loneliness, fear, and pain but surprises everyone when he refuses to stay behind when Fieo is sent on a vital mission to find the Collectors. Fieo … Read more

Pride Comes to Grand Theft Auto

OK, so it’s not specifically speculative fiction. But it’s a video game, which is at least adjacent. And I loved the screen cap: In Grand Theft Auto V, you might be used to sleeping with prostitutes and stealing cars but have you ever thought about waving a rainbow flag? But now with a new mod, in conjunction with Stockholm Pride, GTA5 fans can now be part of the LGBTI community in Los Santos. The new update was partially conceived as a tribute to the 49 murder victims of the Pulse shooting in Orlando. By Joe Morgan – Full Story at … Read more