Join us for the launch of Bad Queer, the luminous and romantic debut verse novel by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan. The book explores first love through the eyes of a non-binary teenager and is a tender, curious, and fiercely alive love letter to queer futures.
The evening will feature readings, speeches, and a book signing with Gayathiri, along with complimentary drinks on arrival (first come, first serve). You can also pre-order your copy now HERE or buy in adavance to pick up during the launch event.
Date and Time
Thursday 26 March | 7:00–9:00 PM
Beautifully written verse novel about first love, acceptance and identity. - Abiola Bello
About Book
I feel invincible.
Like I could run and run
and never stop for breath.
I feel a power in me
I didn't know I had.
The power to speak,
to say what I need.
Surya knows exactly who they are. Coming out as non-binary to their queer parents and best friend? A total non-event. Catching feelings for Blessing - the boy in drama club whose smile makes their heart race? That's trickier.
As their final year of school unfolds and the two of them grow closer, Surya starts to question: Does Blessing really see them? Or just a version of them that doesn't exist? They'd ask their best friend for advice, but she's busy falling in love too. . .
With gorgeous illustrations throughout, Bad Queer draws us deeply into queer friendship, family secrets, and the necessary act of loving yourself. Perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Dean Atta and Sarah Crossan.
Truthful, intimate and powerful!'- Laura Dockrill.
About Author Gayathiri Kamalakanthan (they / them)
Gayathiri Kamalakanthan is a Tamil writer and producer. They’re interested in how language shapes adolescence and how we might use it to build freer futures. Gayathiri is a recipient of the Disabled Poets Prize, the Poetry Archive Now! Worldview Prize, the FAB Publisher's Prize and the RSL Literature Matters Award. Their play Period Parrrty is a trans Tamil romcom and opened at Soho Theatre in October 2025. An alumna of the Southbank Centre New Poets Collective, Gayathiri runs Word-Benders, a poetry workshop centering trans and queer poets of colour.
gayathiri.co.uk, @unembarrassable.
- Doors open at 19:00
- Complimentary first drink (first come, first serve)
- Reading, Speeches and signings from 19:30
- Celebration and social with author until 21:00
*The Common Press is wheelchair accessible