Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of queer literature is a monumental task, given the exponential growth of LGBTQ+ books published in recent years. London-based author Layla McCay has taken on this challenge with her book The Queer Bookshelfoffering a reader’s perspective on what a queer canon might encompass. From renowned classics to overlooked treasures and potential future staples, McCay’s work is a testament to the rich tapestry of queer creative output.
The book is structured in broadly chronological chapters, guiding readers from antiquity to the present day. McCay highlights pivotal moments in queer history and culture that have inspired significant literary works, primarily focusing on fiction. The narrative is framed by McCay’s personal recollections of her introduction to queer literature and her vision for its future.
The Queer Bookshelf: A Personal and Cultural Journey
The Queer Bookshelf is ambitious in scope and driven by the author’s enthusiasm. Unlike academic approaches, McCay warmly embraces a wide range of global queer literature. The book’s breathless pace through its curated catalogue of queer literature makes it an ideal read for those who enjoy serendipitous literary discoveries. With close to 500 books referenced, it offers a wealth of information and recommendations.
One of the standout features of the book is the inclusion of personal interjections from various authors, friends, and booksellers. These anecdotes describe the Queer Books that impacted them, often in profound and life-changing ways. For instance, Caro de Robertis recounts physically shaking from reading Kiss of the Spider Woman. Jeanette Winterson’s critique of The Well of Loneliness is another memorable highlight.
The Impact of Queer Books
McCay’s work also delves into the broader impact of queer books, or the lack thereof. The book argues convincingly that Section 28 in the UK set back YA publishing in the country by at least a decade. It also discusses the struggles and inventive methods people use to access LGBTQ+ books in many countries. These insights underscore the importance of queer literature in fostering community and understanding.
The Queer Bookshelf arrives at a time when there is a collective realization about the significance of queer books and the communities they bring together. This is evident in works like AJ West’s How Queer Bookshops Changed The World and Jane Cholmeley’s A Bookshop of One’s Own. The contrast between the limited availability of queer literature in the past and the abundance today is striking, making these stories more crucial than ever.
Interview with Layla McCay
To gain deeper insights into McCay’s motivations and process, we had the opportunity to speak with her. McCay, a lifelong reader and lover of queer literature, explained that her book was inspired by her experiences running various queer-themed book clubs around the world. She noticed a consistent desire among participants to know more about the classics of queer literature and their historical significance.
McCay’s decision to structure the book chronologically was driven by a desire to make it accessible. She initially intended to focus solely on literary fiction but soon realized the importance of genre fiction in the history of queer literature. This led her to create dedicated chapters for different genres and time periods, ensuring a comprehensive overview.
Selecting the Books
Choosing which books to feature was a challenging task. McCay acknowledged that it is impossible to include every important queer book. She relied on her extensive reading experience, research, and input from other queer authors and booksellers. Social media surveys also played a role, highlighting the importance of 21st-century books among respondents.
McCay was conscious of including diverse voices from different countries, age groups, and racial backgrounds. She aimed to represent the intersectionality within the queer community, making the book as inclusive as possible. This approach ensures that readers from various backgrounds can find books that resonate with their experiences.
The Future of Queer Literature
Looking ahead, McCay expressed a desire to see more working-class and disability-intersectional queer stories. She believes that self-publishing and alternative routes to publication are removing barriers and creating a wealth of diverse stories. This development is crucial for representing the full spectrum of queer experiences.
McCay’s next project is her first novel, inspired by her research for The Queer Bookshelf. Set in the 1970s, the novel explores the theme of queer book smuggling, blending romance and thriller elements. This exciting venture promises to further enrich the landscape of queer literature.
