Queer Africa

‘The art of telling my stories lies in saying the right things the right way, but sometimes, and sometimes more importantly, it lies in finding ways to say the things that are never said.’ The above quote, taken from Emil Rorke’s ‘Poisoned Grief’, one of the eighteen fine stories showcased in Queer Africa, beautifully captures both the motivation behind and urgent need for this anthology. Each of the authors represented here has found just the right way in which to talk about the things that are too often silenced, too often denied or violently opposed. Each one has also interpreted, explored and represented the theme ‘queer Africa’ in a unique way, resulting in a diverse and ground-breaking collection of short-form writing. Queer Africa brings together historical and contemporary stories, affirming and disquieting stories, urban and rural stories. It features characters who are rooted firmly in their countries and cultures, and others who could live anywhere in the world. At its heart, the collection celebrates the diversity and fluidity of queer and African identifications and expressions, offering a sometimes radical re imagining of life on the continent. The stories courageously – and often in surprising and delightful ways – challenge assumptions about what it means to represent particular human experiences. As such, this collection of well-crafted and absorbing stories is for everyone: male and female, queer and straight, young and old, African and non-African.