Mike Curato, known for his vibrant children’s books and the acclaimed young adult graphic novel “Flamer,” has ventured into adult literature with his new graphic novel “Gaysians.”
“Gaysians” serves as Curato’s adult debut and feels like a natural progression from his semi-autobiographical work in “Flamer,” which has gained notoriety as one of the most banned books in the United States due to its depiction of a teenage boy grappling with his sexual identity.
Curato describes the process of writing for an adult audience as liberating, emphasizing that he was able to be fully honest about his feelings and thoughts without the need to simplify or censor.
His latest work embraces the complexities of dating and openly addresses themes such as sex, racism, and fetishism within a specific segment of the LGBTQ community: gay Asian men.
“Gaysians” follows a group of four gay Asian men—AJ, who is new to Seattle and recently out; drag queen K; introverted gamer John; and party boy Steven.
These characters form a chosen family, each having faced varying degrees of rejection from their biological relatives, which reflects a broader experience within the LGBTQ community.
Curato notes that the bonds among the friends are tested throughout the narrative, highlighting the need for authenticity and support within friendships, especially during difficult times.
The story does not shy away from intense situations, so readers are warned to prepare for moments that confront issues such as transphobia, broken sexual boundaries, and both physical and emotional attacks.
Set in Seattle circa 2003, the graphic novel captures both the vibrancy and the difficulties of the time, including references to iconic queer spaces that no longer exist and a confrontation with bigotry that one of the main characters faces.
Curato’s nostalgia for the early 2000s is evident in his storytelling.
As he researched the Seattle of that era, he rekindled memories by communicating with old friends and reminiscing about the nightlife, including late-night hot dog runs after clubs closed.
However, illustrating the state of Seattle from two decades ago posed a challenge, as Curato relied on his recollections and limited resources from that time, given that digital cameras were not widely used and phone quality was poor.
The result is a captivating 371 pages of illustrations that not only highlight the individuality of the main characters but also showcase the allure of drag culture and capture the essence of a city shaped by its past.
Curato’s return to Seattle is symbolic, as he embarks on a tour as a literary figure who resonates with the queer community.
Charlie Hunts, the owner of Charlie’s Queer Books, expressed his enthusiasm for Curato’s work aimed at adult readers, emphasizing its significance within the LGBTQ literary landscape.
Prominent author Alexander Chee, known for works like “The Queen of the Night” and “How to Write an Autobiographical Novel,” praised “Gaysians” in a blurb, stating that readers will feel “seen, called out, held, and beloved.”
Curato speaks passionately about the importance of sharing stories, explaining that there is a force attempting to silence and diminish narratives, particularly those from marginalized communities.
He believes that the absence of shared stories makes it easier to dehumanize individuals and erase their existence.
For gay Asian people, representation in literature is often limited, making his work even more vital.
Curato firmly asserts his position by stating that he is not a supporting character but a main character in his own narrative.
He aims to occupy space and tell his story while advocating for a broader spectrum of queer Asian narratives and an ever-expanding variety of queer stories overall.
Fans of Curato can hear more about his experiences and the themes explored in “Gaysians” at an upcoming event on June 17 at 7 p.m. at Queer/Bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Listeners can also enjoy insights from Curato on KUOW’s podcast, Meet Me Here.
image source from：https://www.kuow.org/stories/meet-me-here-book-club-author-mike-curato-gaysians-seattle-circa-2003-lgbtq
