Bad Queer
Found a better price? Request a price match
Bad Queer
A luminous and romantic debut verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager.
A luminous and romantic debut verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager.
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.
This is a love letter to queer futures—tender, curious, and fiercely alive.
'Fiercely compassionate storytelling.' Sonido Reyes, award-winning and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
'Pure trans teenhood—punchy, clumsy and raw.' Sabah Choudrey, activist, speaker and author of Supporting Trans People of Colour
'Truthful, intimate and powerful.' Laura Dockrill, award-winning author of I Love you, I Love you, I Love You
'Beautifully written verse novel about first love, acceptance and identity.' Abiola Bello, bestselling author of The Love Dare
'Sensual, present and protective. I feel like I made a friend.' Steven Camden, CLiPPA poetry awarding author of Everything All at Once
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780571390663
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 26 March 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Edition: Main
Audience: Children, Teenage
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Gayathiri Kamalakanthan is a Tamil writer and producer. They are a recipient of the Disabled Poets Prize, the FAB Publisher's Prize and the RSL Literature Matters Award. Their play Period Parrrty opened at Soho Theatre in October 2025.
Chi Nwosu is a Black, non-binary, queer, Nigerian artist based in Chicago. Their work is an alchemy of cultural narratives that centres marginalised experiences and utilises potent cultural, political, and spiritual symbols.
More from Young Adult
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
