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ANNOUNCEMENT: Diplomacy Squared, by Sydney Blackburn

Diplomacy Squared

QSFer Sydney Blackburn has a new gay/non binary sci fi book out: Diplomacy Squared. When Fold pilot Diego is assigned to space station Mikesi, he expects his biggest problem will be boredom, even if it is circling a recent First Contact alien home world. Much of the Human speculation aboard the place revolves around the mystery of Antho females, as all those encountered so far seem to be male. Being gay, it’s not a question Diego gives a lot of consideration. All his attention is soon taken, anyway, by station admin Portya. Though they have many physical differences, they also … Read more

TV: ‘Arrow’ Star Bex Taylor-Klaus Comes Out as Enby

Bex Taylor-Klaus

“Arrow” and “Scream” star Bex Taylor-Klaus has come out as transgender non-binary. Taylor-Klaus, 23, made the announcement on Twitter posting “I came out as trans non-binary in a room full of people today. Guess it’s time for me to do that on here, too …Hi. I’m Bex, and the rumors are true. I’m v enby.” Taylor-Klaus made a similar announcement about their sexuality on Twitter in 2016. “hello my name is bex and yes the rumors are true I am v gay,” they posted. By Mariah Cooper – Full Story at The Washington Blade

Steven Universe Creator – “I’m Non-Binary”

Rebecca Sugar

Rebecca Sugar, creator of cartoon series Steven Universe, has come out as non-binary. Speaking to NPR’s 1A, Sugar revealed the main characters in the series – called Gems – are all non-binary women. She then said: ‘And I am also a non-binary woman.’ Sugar said it’s ‘been really great to express myself through these characters because it’s very much how I have felt throughout my life.’ The 31-year-old also identifies as bisexual and is the first woman to solely create a Cartoon Network show. By James Besanville – Full Story at Gay Star News  

ANNOUNCEMENT: Fireworks and Stolen Kisses, by Freddy MacKay and Angel Martinez

Fireworks and Stolen Kisses

QSFer Freddy MacKay and Angel Martinez have a new M/NB Urban Fantasy: Fireworks and Stolen Kisses. No. Eating. Pixies. At the annual Global Lijun Alliance conference in Tokyo, Tally Bastille makes the first impulsive decision of his life. Others perceive his uktena—the enormous legendary serpent that’s his dual-spirit—as a threat, which makes him all too aware that he frightens fellow lijun. But an encounter with a passionate, obviously not-straight otter lijun one evening convinces Tally that he’s found his Em’halafi, his destined match. Tally is determined to barrel through all obstacles to make the match happen, including the otter’s conservative, … Read more

FOR READERS: Blurring the Gender Spectrum

gender spectrum - pixabay

FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Hank T. Cannon: What books do you like where masculinity/femininity, etc. is portrayed as a continuum? Where characters don’t exist as only binary choices when it comes to gender? Where gender identity is one more piece of a complex puzzle of who characters are, alongside race, class, and sexual identity? I’ve updated and edited the original topic a bit. Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat This is a legacy chat.

TV: “Billions” Features a Beautiful Enby Sex Scene

Taylor - Asia Kate Dillon - Billions

Billions has shown a non-binary sex scene in a landmark move. Last year, the Showtime drama introduced Taylor, a character who does not identify as male or female, played by Asia Kate Dillon, who is also non-binary. They were widely considered to be the first representation of a non-binary character on TV. The acclaimed TV show, which stars Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, tells the story of a battle between a top hedge fund and the New York District Attorney’s office. Taylor is an intern at the hedge fund who is super-intelligent, a vegan, and also happens to use the … Read more

COVER REVEAL: Fireworks & Stolen Kisses, by Angel Martinez and Freddy MacKay

Fireworks and Stolen Kisses

We have a cover reveal today from QSFers Angel Martinez and Freddy MacKay – a forthcoming M/NB Paranormal tale: No. Eating. Pixies. At the annual Global Lijun Alliance conference in Tokyo, Tally Bastille makes the first impulsive decision of his life. Others perceive his uktena—the enormous legendary serpent that’s his dual-spirit—as a threat, which makes him all too aware that he frightens fellow lijun. But an encounter with a passionate, obviously not-straight otter lijun one evening convinces Tally that he’s found his Em’halafi, his destined match. Tally is determined to barrel through all obstacles to make the match happen, including … Read more

TV: Finally, Non Binary and Asexual Characters!

TV Asexual Characters

GLAAD are finally able to count non-binary and asexual characters on television. The LGBTI organization have just released their yearly Where We Are on TV Report. The report analyzes the diversity of primetime scripted series regulars on broadcast networks. It also looks at the number of LGBTI characters on cable networks and streaming services for 2017-2018. 6.4 percent of regular characters in the upcoming year are expected to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or queer. This is the highest percentage GLAAD has ever seen. There are going to be 17 regular and recurring trans characters across cable, broadcasting and streaming … Read more

GUEST POST: Blood Bourne, by Archer Kay Leah

Blood Borne

QSFer Archer Kay Leah is stopping by for a guest post for their book “Blood Borne”: The 4 Reasons Why I Write Fantasy Hi everyone! I’m Archer Kay Leah, author of LGTBQA+ speculative fiction romance. My deepest thanks to Queer Sci Fi for hosting me today on the tour for Blood Borne and for their awesome support of queer SFF! <3 Today I’m pouring out the fantasy part of my soul. Like other stories I’ve written, Blood Borne is more than an enemies-to- lovers romance: it’s a high fantasy, oozing with world-building and magic. The reason for that is simple: fantasy is my favourite genre. If I could write … Read more

For Writers: Writing Non Binary

Gender

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer John Allenson: John suggested that we talk about writing non binary characters. So often in fiction, we’re stuck on the idea that characters are either male or female – that they fit into society’s traditional gender worldview. Even with transgender characters, there’s often an expectation that they are “really” one or another – male or female – and are on a journey to physically become their real gender. But that leaves out a whole bunch of people, including folks who are intersex, transgender people who do not fully transition, and gender fluid … Read more