.png "Beyond the Rainbow: Stories of Truth, Tenderness, and Transformation.")
In a time of celebration, we're shining a spotlight on two books which reflect the deep history of Pride Month and its ongoing impact and significance today. Exploring the stories beyond the pages and the importance of representation, identify, and visibility within literature.
Pride
Kels Hereford, author of Breathless Without You
Even though Kit has loved ones in his life that he knows would not be supportive or happy about the new life changes happening in his life, he also takes joy in the fact that there are others that love him regardless of who he loves. The joy is also found in each other as they become integrated in the other’s life, knowing that they will always have that love and support that they both crave.
If readers take one emotional truth or message from Adam and Kit’s journey, especially during Pride, what do you hope it will be?
Of course everyone is different and have different ways of life but I hope that they can be happy within themself. That even if they feel unsure or indifferent about wanting others to know who they are then I would hope that they can love who they are without any self judgement. That they are amazing just as they are.
In an imperfect world I hope that readers can love themselves with no reservations or prejudices.
Many LGBTQ+ readers are still searching for love stories that reflect their own experiences. What do you think makes Adam and Kit’s relationship stand out in today’s queer romance landscape?
I like that it’s a simple story that has progressed naturally and seamlessly. The way that they haven’t seen each other in years and yet Adam can still have the same intense feelings. Even though it has always been one sided, Kit starts to have thoughts of Adam that he’s never had before. I tried to write this story with the thought in mind that this could be anyone’s story and it still be a story worth telling.
During Pride season, many readers seek stories that reflect both struggle and joy. What moments in Breathless Without You do you think will resonate most with readers looking for that emotional balance?
I think there are still some people that have that “coming out” moment and some people have that moment stolen from them when they get outed by someone else. Even though it is already established that Adam has already been out for a while, Kit still is going through his own journey of figuring out some things for himself in his head while he’s involved with Adam. But unfortunately Kit is outed before he is ready and has that ripped from him. Some people are going to feel that moment of confrontation and even though it’s brief, it will resonate that feeling of being violated and hurt. And even though it’s temporary, it’s a moment that can still bring your feelings to the surface whenever it’s thought of. Luckily Kit has Adam, his family and friends to rely on to help him through.
If you could describe Adam and Kit’s love story in three words, what would they be—and why?
The first would be nurturing. Adam is very much wanting to go at Kit’s pace with how their relationship progresses and wants him to feel as supported as possible. And Adam leans on Kit for comfort as he goes through his problems in life. The second word would be real. They have a very domesticated life together and like a lot of people they prefer to stay home and be with each other. The shared moments they have are mostly lived in the privacy of their home.
The third I think would be sweet. They love each other’s company and even though they take their time as Kit becomes more comfortable within their relationship, it doesn’t mean there’s no spice involved.
Terence Edward Collier, author of All That Love Is
Your book beautifully captures the highs, lows, and sheer unpredictability of gay love. What inspired you to explore these moments — was it drawn from personal experience, observation, or a bit of both?
I began writing from a very early age, knowing that I was gay but scared to come out to my family. I believe that the inspiration for most of the moments in my stories are drawn from observations I witnessed as I got older and started to date. I admit that a couple of instances I write about in my stories are also drawn from personal experience.
How do you think the idea of romance has evolved within the LGBTQ+ community and are we still chasing traditional ideas of love, or creating entirely new ones?
As I was growing up, all I heard about romance was from a 'straight' perspective, boy meets girl and they fall in love and live happily ever after. Most gay people I knew in my late teens were only ever interested in sex and sleeping with as many guys as they could. I didn't believe, at that time, that 2 men could meet, fall in love and live together as a couple. I was never one to go out to a bar or a club and pick up guys just for sex. Though I don't think anything bad about people that like that way of life, I always knew I wanted a romantic life. I wanted to meet the man of my dreams and be swept up in his arms and carried off into the sunset. I still believe that most people, either gay or straight, would love to meet that one special person and spend the rest of their lives together.
Pride is such a powerful time of year. If your book had a soundtrack playing at a Pride parade, what would be its ultimate anthem and why?
I Am What I Am by Gloria Gaynor... the words of the song tell the reason why. 'Life's not worth a damn 'til you can shout out, I Am what I Am'
Some of the most powerful moments in your book are the small ones — the look, the nod, the pause. Why are those fleeting moments so meaningful in storytelling?
I think that it gives the reader that moment when no words are needed by the characters. The reader takes a breath waiting for the characters to respond to that nod, look or pause.
From shy first glances to long-held secrets, there’s something deeply intimate in every page. Were there any scenes that felt particularly cathartic or personal for you to write?
I have included some things I have experienced in some of the stories. A lot of how I felt, or believed I would feel, if a certain situation happened was included in the words in several of the stories. Things like, growing up and feeling scared to tell your parents that you liked the guy down the street or having that friend at school who you became very close to and not being able to tell anyone.
I grew up on a council housing estate in London and all of my friends were straight, and I had to act 'straight' for fear of rejection, and of being bullied for being different. The couple of occasions I did spend time with that guy down the street or the boy at school, were special and exciting and I hope some of those feelings came across in the stories I wrote. Looking back now and having spoken to the friends I grew up with, they have all told me that they knew I was gay and should have just been open about it.
Stay tuned for more stories of love without borders and where one size doesn't fit all.
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