(NEXSTAR) — Author and illustrator Mike Curato has spent the past several years creating inclusive and heartfelt books for both children and young adults — his brilliant graphic novel “Flamer,” was also at one point among the most banned books in the U.S. — now the Filipino-American artist is back with his first adult graphic novel, “Gaysians.”
And it’s a funny, tender and realistic new glimpse into the author’s own life and experiences that many LGBTQ+ adults will see parts of themselves in. It’s a story about chosen families sticking together when times are tough — a concept many in the community can probably relate to in these politically charged and dangerous times for LGBTQ+ people.
“Gaysians” follows protagonist AJ, who moves to Seattle in the early 2000s, fresh out of the closet and searching for love he feels will make him complete. Along the way he meets a group of queer Asians who call themselves “The Boy Luck Club,” in reference to Amy Tan’s beloved 1989 novel “The Joy Luck Club” and its equally beloved 1993 film adaptation.
But this group’s story doesn’t end with finding each other.
Readers will be introduced to John, who struggles with body image and an unrequited crush; Steven, who has no problem finding hookups but may be masking deep pain with cheap thrills; and K, a celebrated local drag queen who becomes something of a “den mother” for the crew and harbors their own secret.
Curato, who both wrote and illustrated the gorgeous graphic novel, says he decided to tell this story at this moment in time because stories like this are hard to find in the U.S.
“I’ve always been a believer in the saying ‘Write what you want to see in the world.’ I’m not sure if Toni Morrison was the first person to say it but I know she’s said it. I don’t see a lot of stories in books and film that really center the gay Asian-American experience. It’s certainly available abroad but in a Western context, they’re not voices that we hear from super often and certainly not centered in a story.”
The story is also a personal one for Curato, as he, like AJ, moved to Seattle after college in the early 2000s, freshly after coming out.
“[In Seattle], I was meeting my first real gay friends, who happened to be Asian. And they really took me under their wing and showed me the ropes. But the special thing about it was that for the first time in my life, I felt understood in this really three-dimensional way. Like I didn’t have to explain a lot to these folks, right? There’s a common understanding and a common experience.”
The book explores some deep topics, too.
This “non white” point of view on sex, relationships and belonging make “Gaysians” such an informative and fun glimpse into lives that are often sidelined.
“Gaysians” also makes some sharp observations about race and dating in the gay community. Curato’s story touches on Western beauty standards and status and why LGBTQ+ people of color might seek white partners over those from their own communities. But this shouldn’t give the impression that “Gaysians” is overly concerned with whiteness — in fact, as Curato himself told Nexstar (and as is evidenced in the book) AJ and his friends are attempting to carve out spaces to celebrate themselves in a community that too often does center whiteness.
Curato’s novel also highlights the struggles transgender people face to this day. After an all-too-plausible attack on a trans woman in their neighborhood, the protagonists are faced with the question: Do we become more or less visible in the face of hate?
It’s a conflict that unfortunately isn’t signature to the early 2000s, however, as violence against LGBTQ+ people has actually increased in recent years. ACLU reports that there are currently 575 anti-LGBTQ bills in play in legislative bodies across the U.S. All of which is not to mention the specifically anti-trans sentiment rising not only in the U.S. but elsewhere.
And while there no perfect happy endings, “Gaysians” highlights the way for LGBTQ+ people to not only survive but to flourish: Together. All-in-all, Curato’s first adult graphic novel is a triumphant (and funny) work of resistance that feels especially special today.
Curato will appear at several tour dates throughout June on the East and West coasts following the release of “Gaysians” on June 3.
SCORE: ★★★★★
