| Peter Bergman, in his book Gaiety Transfigured, mentions a study done twenty years ago by Barry M. Dank who asked gay men how they first recognized themselves as gay. Fifteen percent said they came to it through reading. Dare to Speak its Name is a tribute to them, to all those who have ever found recognition or acceptance in an SF/F book, and to those who have the desire and need to write it. The book is currently in its proposal stage. It will be arranged in three interwoven sections: chapters, which will provide a history of the appearance of LGBT characters and situations in science fiction and fantasy and to show the various methods writers used to incorporate those. Interludes, which will be short essays by authors writing LGBT fiction, and anecdotes by you, the readers, writers and fans. I'll post a sample chapter and a link when I get it ready. The survey below is for consideration for the anecdotal portions of the book that I will use to relate the effects that queer-themed science fiction and fantasy has had on its readers. Please tell your friends and pass the word along. |
| Dare to Speak its Name: queer science fiction and fantasy, the writers who write it and the readers who read it a nonfiction book in progress |