It’s called Tengoku, and it features two female leads: a trans lesbian, and a disabled bisexual woman.
Both are women of color (from a fantasy world based on Japan, with editors who helped me make sure their culture was portrayed accurately and respectfully).
Although I wrote the book, it was a team effort, with strong collaboration from several women (and men) who identify as Asian, mixed race, disabled, and trans. Again, this book features a female trans lead.
Today, I found out it was named a finalist for the Golden Crown Literary Awards in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category. (This year, there is no trans category, which is a problem for another day).
I am flattered and humbled that the GCLS judges thought my manuscript worthy of inclusion.
But. (There is a big but here). Some TERFS on facebook are writing articles saying it shouldn’t be eligible for the award, or even the category. According to them, trans women shouldn’t be eligible for lesbian book awards, even if they are lesbians and are in lesbian relationships.
I’m not going to link the article because my publisher has asked me not to. (She thinks angry comments on it from my fans will look unprofessional). But I feel the need to respond somehow, to let the detractors know that they are 100% wrong.
My wonderful publisher absolutely has my back, and the GCLS obviously does too, since Tengoku is a finalist.
But even so, I need them to hear they made the right call.
Contact them and tell them thank you for including trans lesbians in their awards. It should be common sense that trans lesbians count as lesbians, but unfortunately, some people still don’t understand. So please, please please, support the book, tell your friends, signal boost the fuck out of this post, and tell the GCLS trans lesbians belong in the lesbian category. Period.
Edit: Please be positive! I want to overwhelm them with thank you notes. They’re doing the right thing. ^^
Steel Phoenix Studios 