Unearthing the Substrate
My Journey with Queer Mythology
Queer Mythology is just about two months away from publication, marking the culmination of a two-year journey with this project. But in many ways, this project began over forty years ago when I first fell in love with stories—especially those with worlds where I could see reflections of myself and others, of humanity. This book is not just about the unearthing stories that have been rendered less queer or even invisible; it is also about my deep, personal love of storytelling, the power storytelling has over all of us, and my desire to create narratives that can cast their magic spell on others and harness the power of story.
My Early Fascination with Myths
Growing up, I was always drawn to myths and legends that seemed to pulse with life. These stories - whether I was stepping into the decades long arc of an X-Men comic book or an episode of Days Of Our Lives - with their human and superhuman characters, followed epic conflicts and quests, offering a glimpse into another world. Yet, even as I reveled in these tales (and revel I did, recording every TV show on VHS tapes and beginning a lifelong comic hoard) I often felt a disconnect. The characters, the love stories, the triumphs and tragedies—none of them quite reflected my own experiences of my identity. It was as if an essential part of me was missing from the world of myths I so adored. I loved the architecture of the mythical worlds, even those just like our own, and the more complex the world, the better, as if I could magically step in and out of it, feeling it in my mind, heart, and at my core. Perhaps the complexity drew me in because there were then at least shades of me, my experiences, and the people I knew. But when a story lacked that hook, that piece of me, the magic was only partially realized.
The Power of Storytelling
As I embarked on my career path as a writer and educator, I began to understand the power and magic of storytelling in shaping our perceptions and our realities. Stories are more than just entertainment; they are a means of understanding ourselves and the world around us. They are the conduit through which cultures pass down their values, fears, and hopes. Stories are also how we construct our own values and how we create and sustain change in ourselves, for better and worse. For queer individuals like myself, finding representation in these stories can be a way of seeing ourselves as part of a larger tapestry and history, finding a place in our own world via this fictional world.
The Birth of Queer Mythology
The idea for Queer Mythology was born from this realization. Working with my extraordinary editor who initially conceived of this project, I wanted to create a collection of myths and legends that would not only highlight the queer elements of stories often overlooked or erased but also celebrate the diversity and richness of queer experiences throughout history. This project is a testament to the importance of visibility, diversity, and connection in storytelling. It is an effort to reclaim and reimagine the myths that have shaped cultures around the world, infusing them with the lived experiences and identities of queer people, all of which were already there.
Unearthing Queer Themes
Over the past eighteen months, I have delved into countless myths, uncovering stories of love, courage, and transformation, many of which center queer characters - sometimes focusing on their queerness and sometimes not. I have reinterpreted these tales, bringing to the forefront the queer identities and relationships that have long been hidden in the shadows. I have also found the essence of the story that is universal, regardless of your identity, that tells us something of the human experience. Each story in Queer Mythology - even those of gods and superhumans -is a story of humanity and a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the queer community for all time. And what was incredible was that I did not have to add queerness to any of these. It was there, in the primary sources and the texts, in the generations upon generations of oral and written storytelling tradition, queer people were there. For thousands of years! As I declare in my introduction to the book: we have always existed.
A Personal Journey
This project is more than just a collection of stories for me. It is a personal journey, a reflection of my own love for storytelling and my desire to share that love with others. Through Queer Mythology, I hope to ignite a spark in readers, inspiring them to see the world of myths - ancient and modern - through a new lens. I want that all of us find our own place within these timeless narratives and feel the magic of stories. As the publication date approaches, I am filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Queer Mythology is not just a book; it is a celebration of the power of stories to connect us, to heal us, and to make us feel seen. It is a reminder that our stories matter, and that by sharing them, we can use their magic to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. I have poured my heart into this project, with the hope that it will resonate with readers and inspire them to embrace their own stories. This journey has been one of discovery, not just of ancient myths, but of the enduring power of storytelling to transform lives. As I look forward to sharing Queer Mythology with the world, I am reminded of why I fell in love with stories in the first place: for their ability to illuminate the hidden corners of our hearts and to bring us closer to the truth of who we are.
The Substrate
And finally, this project. This newsletter, or this collection of writing, or whatever it will evolve into. See, stories leave behind residue. That is the hook, the drill, the thing that burrows down deep inside of us. It is why I can rewatch an episode of Days of Our Lives from 30+ years ago that I saw once, and I can remember what happens and how it feels. I can listen to a queer artist like D.C. LaRue creating revolutionary music in the 1970s that celebrates who he is and the communities built on the dancefloor around him, and I can feel that history in me. Substrate is the thing left behind or the thing that gets reacted upon, and that is stories for all of us.
In Other News
My first book event is watchable online. It is well before publication, but I did have the first physical copy of the book in my hand to chat with the incomparable Hunter Canning about the project for the PowerToFly Pride Summit. Live is the way to catch more conversations, so watch this space for updates.
An exclusive discount code to pre-order Queer Mythology is available to you. Details appear below, and you can share this code with anyone, any number of times.
And the biggest news of all was something I just got to share on my social media: a Brazilian publisher has acquired Queer Mythology and will publish it in Portuguese, just in time for Pride Month in June 2025! Parabéns!
Special pre-order discount code for Queer Mythology
Customers can apply the code QUEER20 at checkout on hachettebookgroup.com for 20% off of Queer Mythology. Some important guidelines for use:
Exclusions apply. This code is valid now through September 30th.
The code is applicable for purchases of the hardcover edition of the book only (not ebook), via HBG only (not Amazon, B&N, etc.)
Once customers click to preorder on the Hachette site, the checkout page will include a clearly marked place for the discount code.
Discount applies to select HBG products. Some exclusions may apply. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, not value of packaging, applicable taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. The offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. To redeem, enter the code at checkout. Discount valid in US only. Hachette Book Group ships to US only. Offer ends 09/30/24.
