Bad Queer by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan
Faber
Published 26th March 2026
A luminous and romantic debut verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager.
I feel invincible. Like I could run and run
and never stop for breath.
I feel a power in me
I didn't know I had. The power to speak,
to say what I need.
Surya knows exactly who they are.
Coming out as non-binary to their queer parents and best friend? A total non-event. Catching feelings for Blessing - the boy in drama club whose smile makes their heart race? That's trickier. As their final year of school unfolds and the two of them grow closer, Surya starts to question: Does Blessing really see them? Or just a version of them that doesn't exist? They'd ask their best friend for advice, but she's busy falling in love too.
. . With gorgeous illustrations throughout, Bad Queer draws us deeply into queer friendship, family secrets, and the necessary act of loving yourself.
Perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Dean Atta and Sarah Crossan. This is a love letter to queer futures - tender, curious, and fiercely alive.
'Fiercely compassionate storytelling.' Sonido Reyes, award-winning and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
'Pure trans teenhood - punchy, clumsy and raw.' Sabah Choudrey, activist, speaker and author of Supporting Trans People of Colour
'Truthful, intimate and powerful.' Laura Dockrill, award-winning author of I Love you, I Love you, I Love You
'Beautifully written verse novel about first love, acceptance and identity.' Abiola Bello, bestselling author of The Love Dare'Sensual, present and protective.
'I feel like I made a friend.' Steven Camden, CLiPPA poetry awarding author of Everything All at Once
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