Bad Queer

by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan

A luminous and romantic debut novel in verse about 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.

Prema 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, Prema 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.

Genres: Queer, LGBT, Poetry, Young Adult, Contemporary, Genderfluid, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never pass up a verse novel, and this is a great one! Our main character goes through a lot over the course of the book, coming of age as a non-binary person of colour, and dealing with friendship struggles, first relationship struggles, family struggles. All of this was approached so softly, full of care, nuance and depth. There are difficult and painful moments, but there's also so much love and support. I think this will make for a wonderful read for any teen (and adult) reader.

[Nix Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I love verse novels. I connected to the characters and found it an emotionally charged read. This story gives a beautiful insight into the world of a young trans person growing up and their family. A coming of age novel with all the extra things to navigate. Totally recommended, particularly as an adult with no real experience of this world. I, too, can find different pronouns tricky but totally get why it is hugely important (and respectful) to get it right. Prema's story shows all the complexities and nuances within the trans world and how important it is to treat each person as an individual. I loved Prema's explanations to her friends and family of her needs and feelings.
However, can someone explain the title? As a non queer person, this seems a very negative title. As a bookseller I see the title putting people off, especially non queer people who absolutely should read this book.

[PFROJRAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly exceptionally beautiful writing

[Hannah Boyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This may be my favourite so far of 2026. Bad Queer tells the story of Surya, a queer non-binary teen in London, as they fall in love for the first time.

This is, however, so much more than a romance/love story. This book is also about the love between friends and family.
It talks about the difficulties that queer and trans people face with navigating their identity’s, and with being yourself, whilst ensuring your own safety.

It also discusses how different cultures can view different things differently - this was shown frequently between Surya’s grandparents views on gender & sexuality, but also on their concern that not getting a university education was in a way, a betrayal.


I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel verse before, but this was so beautifully written. Difficult topics were discussed in such a powerful way - I felt that they really discussed things well, but did so in a sensitive and soft way.

[Between2_worlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

There books that remind you of people's humanity and this is one of them.

[Absinthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an ARC of this one at YALC!

I'm usually not the biggest fan of novels in verse, but made an exception for this one — I have no regrets. It's brilliant, soft and sharp at the same time. I hadn't heard of this author before, but I'm so glad this book found its way to me.

[Mae B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[Joyreadsbuku · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Bad Queer is about a non-binary teen in their final year of high school, who navigates relationships (platonic & romantic) while going through the motions of not only life, but their identity as well. This book in verse touched on so many underlying themes that I couldn't wait to write this review. I'm so glad I got to read this ARC bcs there were so many "YES, INDEED, EXACTLY" moments and quotes. Loved the (side)characters. I only think the pace could have been a tiny bit faster. Great for people who love contemporary books with queer rep, identity, culture, and language.

SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
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Loved Surya and the way they were written. Starting with the Youth Theatre slowly but surely becoming their safe space and creative outlet, we see their journey go from there. We meet their friends, Akhil, Sade, and Blessing, who they end up having a massive crush on. Surya nudging the conversation that Blessing falling for them meant that he was also queer was interesting, bcs I've thought about this before (there's a tv show "The Chi" where a trans woman is in a relationship with a cishet man, so the thought of him being queer has crossed my mind). A quick Google search and a new word to my vocab later, the word "skoliosexual" or "ceterosexual" made it clear.

Although Blessing was understanding, even he didn't fully understand Surya's queerness, much less the realisation of the conversation of his sexuality mentioned above. I'm glad that Surya didn't abandon their own feelings bcs even though Blessing didn't mean to hurt them, he did, multiple times. I'm also relieved he didn't try to justify these matters in any way, shape, or form. But whereeee was Maha in all this? Ohhh she had me PISSED for not being there for Surya. My annoyance with her later shifted to Freddie bcs of what he did and then gaslit her like there was no tomorrow. Eventually we come to know why Maha was distant, and I'm happy they were able to talk about it. Also happy to see Surya and Blessing exchange their love through cooking and sharing their cultures (the food made me hungry omg). Much love to Akhil and Sade as well! Honestly, there were so many mature conversations in this book, and I love that.

The way Tamil and language as a whole has effect on a person (as well as culture) was well incorporated, especially through Ammā's character and their parents. Emotion can also be tied to that and can explain why someone distances themselves from a language (for example; bad (cultural) experiences, such as exclusion from a community), which oftentimes means distancing themselves from that world to a certain extent. I feel that that's what happened with Ammā as they couldn't see themselves in their own language and culture.

Surya had only known their grandparents as the loving people they were, even with the knowledge that there had been a break in contact before their birth. That was until Thaathi's outburst at Surya when they announced they weren't immediately going to college. Thaathi's underlying feelings came to the surface, and I think it's bcs not only does she know that the world is cruel towards Surya and their parents, not going to college was another layer of "difficultness" in Thaathi's eyes.

I think it was also a feeling of betrayal for what Thaathi and Thaatha went through to make it to the UK, but they forget that the world they lived in is not the same as the one we live in now. Unlearning stuff takes a lot of time, if not generations.

But enough yapping from me, lol. All in all, I loved reading this book and hope others enjoy it as well

[Prof. Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Queer is a beautifully crafted debut that captures the tender, tumultuous, and fiercely alive journey of a non-binary teen navigating the complexities of love, identity, and self-acceptance. Written in evocative verse, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan’s lyrical prose immerses the reader into Prema’s world—one filled with both luminous hope and poignant vulnerability.

What I truly appreciated about this novel is how delicately it explores the nuances of first love and self-discovery. Prema’s confidence in their identity feels authentic and inspiring, and the way they grapple with the questions of whether they are truly seen by Blessing resonated deeply. The relationship dynamics are handled with care, illustrating the tenderness of young love while also acknowledging the fears and doubts that come with it.

The illustrations sprinkled throughout add a layer of intimacy and richness, making the reading experience even more immersive. Kamalakanthan’s portrayal of family secrets, friendship struggles, and the act of loving oneself is both nuanced and heartfelt. It’s a story that affirms that queer futures are worth imagining and fighting for—a love letter to authenticity and resilience.

While I would have loved a bit more depth in some character moments, the poetic form lends a raw and honest voice that elevates the story. This book will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories of identity, love, and growth, especially young readers seeking representation or adults looking for a gentle reminder of the power of self-acceptance.

Overall, Bad Queer is a luminous debut that skillfully balances vulnerability with strength. It’s a compelling, curious, and fiercely alive read that I highly recommend. Four stars for its heartfelt storytelling and beautiful artistry—an important addition to contemporary queer YA.

[james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the e-ARC

I loved Bad Queer so much! This novel in verse explores a tumultuous period in the life of a nonbinary teen named Surya who has Sri Lankan Tamil heritage that lives with their queer parents in London as their friendships shift and they experience their first crush. A sprinkling of lovely illustrations are contained throughout as well.

I really appreciate its deep understanding of queerness as well as its intersections with culture. In general, the depiction of human relationships is also amazing. Familial, romantic, and friend relationships are all treated with care and importance.

I loved how three distinctly different relationships with parents were shown through Surya and their Ammā and Mum.
Despite Surya's parents being queer, it is also important for Surya to find community with other queer kids their age. Characters like Akhil and Sade felt so real and I could visualise them so easily.
I also have to mention that I loved Maha and her love of figure skating <3

The relationship with Blessing was also important in showing queer teens that they deserve a partner who respects their identity, and should not settle for less.

I really liked the discussion of queering tradition as well as how queerness that has previously presented in cultural canon and tradition has been obscured through processes of colonisation (specifically in the Sri Lankan context). Herein embracing queerness doesn't mean abandoning your heritage and community.

Overall an intelligently and sensitively written novel that engaged with a variety of pertinent topics without seeming too preachy or dark. Kamalakanthan is an excellent artist and I'm looking forward to seeing more of their work in the future.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

We are moments away from Pride month, and this book is going to kick us off properly.

Prema is nonbinary and intersectionally diverse, and the representation alone is a great reason to read this and a central part of my forthcoming pitch to students about why they should, too! Readers get insight into Prema's gender identity and expression, sexuality, and cultural connections, among others. All of these perspectives feel fresh, mindful, and relatable to the target audience.

I'm a fan of verse novels across audiences, but especially MG and YA, and this one provides more evidence of what works so well in this format. Prema's thoughts come through in a vulnerable, emotional way, and because Prema is artistically inclined, it's no surprise they'd want to express themselves with some added style.

There were parts of the plot and pacing that could have been tightened, but these were minor notes. Overall, this is a strong YA verse novel with intriguing rep and a fresh perspective, and it got me all the way ready for June. I'll certainly be looking for more from this author.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber Children's for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Valerie Aethra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all know what I love more than a queer novel... A queer novel with a desi main character of sapphic parentageeeeee!!!

Bad Queer is a coming-of-age verse novel that follows Surya as they're trying to come to terms with their non-binary identity and trying to navigate a world that doesn't understand them. It's so so impactful with love and care and food for thought poured into every page — it's a love letter to every single person who wants to understand themselves and those around them just a bit more <3

Deeply rooted in Sri-Lankan Tamil and Desi culture, it discusses the issues our young queer MC struggles with as they're trying to discover themselves while being surrounded by the conflicting views of their traditional South Asian grandparents and wholesome queer parents. And my fav part of any desi book is all the ✨ food ✨ mentions that had my mouth watering like gimme more relatable stuff like that 😭

And then as if it wasn't already discussing ALL my favourite things — there's a youth theatre group?? Surya gets to be a part of this amazing Youth Theatre where they get more of a chance to explore their identity, to explore the arts and to find such lovely friendships >>>

The interior Illustrations add SO much charm and character to the pages and the story too like you need a physical copy if you're wooed by art, i enjoyed annotating my copy so so much ✨😋

[Jo’s Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was at YALC last year, I got a sampler of Bad Queer and I instantly fell in love with this wonderful verse novel.
This coming of age feels like a love letter to queerness, one I wish I read when I was younger.

In Bad Queer we follow Surya going through life as a non-binary teenager person of colour. As they find themselves navigating friendships, family struggles, desi culture and teenage love. The experience of reading this novel felt almost as if I was reading Surya’s diary and I grew attached to them, feeling deeply their emotions.
Being a teen is already such a period filled with turmoil, but being a teenager and growing up queer and/or trans brings another level to it. In the novel, these struggles are explored in a way that brings tenderness and nuanced discussions despite the heavy themes.

The illustrations and the free verse compliment each other brilliantly, I think I have never read a book like Bad Queer before and it was such an emotional and heartfelt experience.
In truth, this book gave me hope and wish that this novel finds its way into the lives of many trans and queer teens.

Thank you @bookramblerpr and @faberbooks for my gifted copy.

[Jess Twibey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected a story about self discovery and discovering your sexuality, and it was, but in not in the way I imagined. Surya is non binary, neither a girl nor a boy, neither fluid or binary. And that’s queer af, even better, they know exactly who they are and have parents who both understand them and have their own personal queer selves. Teenage years are hard, Suryas best friend has her first serious boyfriend and is becoming distant causing ripples through their friendship. But Surya joins a theatre group, something new, exciting and freeing. They meet new people, make new friends and slowly they begin to let their queer self be known. A theatre group is imo a great place to find fellow queer people so this set up is just perfect. Between opening themselves up to people, falling in love, confronting her grandparents bias and learning what they do and don’t want in life, Surya has the biggest self discovery - they find themselves and their people, a way to move forward and not be afraid, not make themselves smaller to make others comfortable and even more important to them, that more people than you’d think are happy for you to be happy, for you to be yourself, our differences really do build a better community and life.

There’s no one way to be, there’s no bad way to be queer

[Lyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't what I expected which brings me to a 2.5 star. But 5 years ago, as a young, confused queer person, I would have given it more.

I like how Surya was told to study English Lit cuz it would give them a solid future. IT'S A LIE SURYA RUN!

It's a good book for queer, specifically non-binary, teens and young adults. The story was very introductory, explaining each queer term in detail before moving on with the plot. For anyone who is new, struggling or not used to these terms, I think it is a great way to familiarise yourself with them.

I would love to read a book where being non-binary is more entrenched within the story. Where it is not "the main issue" but rather something deeply layered within a character/their lives. That is just something I am interested in and that this book doesn't do that doesn't make it bad. Again it is a YA coming of age! It does that very well.

Yay queer lit!!!💕🥳

[Paul Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really thought provoking read. As a cishet person, keen to be an LGBTQ+ ally, this opened my eyes wider to the challenges faced by trans and non-binary young people, even when they are part of supportive families. Added to that was the fascinating cultural aspect from the Prema's Tamil heritage (but in fact a heritage muddied by colonial influences that imported the idea that queer was sinful).
I was particularly struck by the relationship between Prema and Blessing, and how Prema needed Blessing to see their relationship in the right way for them. The language of Prema 'glitching' when misgendered made a lot of sense. My one criticism is that it often felt like Prema was younger than I think they were supposed to be and the scenes from sex education classes/talks didn't feel realistic for sixth form age students, though they served their purpose in the plot.

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lot. It broached a lot of subject and I couldn't stop reading. I really felt everything the main character felt. I was with them from beginning to end and it was just so captivating. I quite related to the main character on some parts. Anyway, I was so invested in the identity of the mc and the family and friendship issues, a little less so on the relationship drama but I still really loved this whole book. I love a verse novel. It was great and a fast read. This author is definitely one to watch!

[Brandi McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This is a lovely coming-of-age story told in verse.

Prema is a soft-spoken nonbinary teen navigating first crushes and shifting friendships. Raised by openly queer parents and traditional Sri Lankan grandparents, Prema has a lot of conflicting parts of their identity to work through.

Told in beautiful 1st person prose, we see Prema's self-confidence grow as they learn to honor all aspects of their identity.

I don't often read stories told in verse, but this one flowed easily. I felt Prema's voice in every line.

I received this ARC from publisher @faberbooks.us through @netgalley. The opinions are my own.

Bad Queer will be released on June 2, 2026.

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Faber US and netgalley for providing me with an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was a beautiful, powerful, moving novel in verse. I was so swept up by the prose and the main character’s journey.

So much of this story resonated with me, the dysphoria, the glitch, all of those complicated gender feelings.

I LOVED Surya’s friend group so much. I loved feeling like I was a part of that with them while reading this.

I also loved the beautiful complexity of their familial relationships. It was so well written, so honest and raw and unfiltered. They’re so far from perfect with each other but they’re trying.

[Chelsea-anne Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel written in Verse that tells us of our Main character Surya. They are a non binary POC and they are navigating the struggles, of family, friends and first loves. This is a impactful story that is told with care and love. I appreciated that it touched on the different cultures and different views on queerness and how to deal with that. There is some parts that are difficult to read as they are so emotional. But overall its a beautifully written story that I think its an important read.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via an online reader copy. This book has a lot going on. You might learn a few things, question a few things, maybe not even agree. But regardless, you will have an experience. First it is a coming of age story and one we can relate to: issues with family, friendships and possible lovers. Second, it is a queer person's awakening to be their best advocate.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tendier pieces of growing up and finding love in all forms - a beautiful, emotional navigation of family, friendship, crushes, and gender that leads with compassion and care. Kamalakanthan's prose feels like a welcome from an old friend and a safe place to land.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Thomas Brassington · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not get on with this, mainly because the main voice does not sound like a teenager navigating queer socialisation. The effect is an adult, with a fully formed understanding of their intersectional identity, telling you how a teenager ought to feel (and why they ought to feel that way), rather than a narrative that inhabits that perspective more directly.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really lovely! Surya feels like a fully realized character and I love their continuing journey of queerness and what it means for them at home, school, and in relationships. The illustrations were great as well.

[Gabbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨✨

Such an eye opening book with a different perspective of queer identity that I’m not sure I’ve read before. I loved that this book made me think. And I also loved the romance story and the open dialogue of sexuality. A must read for queer people.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the free arc! Bad Queer definitely gave me insight and empathy into what it feels like to be a non-binary teenager in the worlds of school, family, and dating. I have not read a book with this specific viewpoint before that really got into the mind of the character.

[R Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book and enjoyed every moment of the journey it took me on! Easiest five stars ever!

[sonjas27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Jxdefrdx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choisi au hasard dans la librairie, et je peux affirmer de ça fera parti de mes coups de cœur de cette année ! ✨ Une histoire très belle, touchante, profonde et très bien raconté !

[Jennifer Leigh Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful novel in verse about growing into a queer identity.