C. S. Malerich

…but this feels as good: the hardworking folks over at Apparition Lit nominated “They Are Still Building It” for a Gaylactic Spectrum Award:

The Gaylactic Spectrum Awards honor outstanding works of science fiction, fantasy and horror which include significant positive explorations of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered characters, themes, or issues.

It’s especially rewarding because I didn’t set out to write a story about queerness; I wrote about climate change, the mental and emotional costs of activism, and what it means to be deeply in love.  In early drafts, the central couple were cis/het, but as the characters took shape, they defied tropes and identified themselves as two married women.  Who is the writer to argue?  Importantly, their sexuality and gender isn’t the sum of who they are, but a piece of the puzzle.  Unique and individual.  Relatable and universal.  If I’ve represented their experience in a way that feels accurate, respectful, and positive, there’s no better validation.

The full list of nominees will be available soon!  Meanwhile, you can read my story along with others in Vol. 3 of Apparition Literary Magazine.

And if you like queer-themed speculative fiction, may I also recommend Broken Metropolis from Mason Jar Press?