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Queerphoria: An Own Voices anthology celebrating 'queer joy' in its many forms
The inaugural collection in the new VERVE Voices series, Queerphoria is a joyful and defiant queer-authored anthology proudly supporting Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line.
Four housemates welcome the reader into their home for a birthday party. An elderly widow visits her first queer bar, beneath the flat she shared with her husband. A couple invite a shipwrecked sailor into their isolated lighthouse on the stormy night of their thirtieth anniversary. A single woman embarks on a romantic relationship with a sex robot. A married couple secretly prepare for their baby's arrival in a world where procreation is controlled by the Establishment.
Through prose, poetry, essays, illustrations and more, twenty-one writers bring their visions of euphoria to life. These pages celebrate, subvert, expand and reimagine what joy can look like, even in uncertain times.
Switchboard will receive a £1 donation from every copy sold.
Includes contributions Amil (translated by Joheun Lee), Santanu Bhattacharya, Maame Blue, James Cahill, Jenny Chamarette, Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Soula Emmanuel, Selali Fiamanya, Eve Gleichman, Remi Graves, Dylin Hardcastle, Chloe Michelle Howarth, William Rayfet Hunter, Seth Insua, Joshua Jones, Laura Kay, Carrie Marshall, Peo Michie, Elle Nash, Peter Scalpello, Joelle Taylor
About For over 50 years, Switchboard has supported the LGBTQIA+ community through challenges and triumphs, offering a listening ear in difficult times and moments of joy. Their support is completely free and available wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that's via phone (0800 0119 100), chat (switchboard.lgbt) or email (hello@switchboard.lgbt). Switchboard's services are open from 10 am to 10 pm, every single day of the year. Their trained volunteers are available to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity; whether it's sexual health, relationships or just the way you're feeling. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey.
5-Star Reader Reviews for Queerphoria
'Quite possibly the best anthology of queer writing I've ever read. The joy, the grief, the love, the desire, the loss and the hope all intertwine to give the reader a true sense of "Queerphoria"... This is a collection that will continue to echo in your mind and body long after you've finished reading it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Beautiful words, so very needed at this point in time... Wonderfully crafted' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This collection was delightful, I read it all in one go, so consumed was I by the sheer romp and rebellious nature of it. A strong, and brilliant, revelation of queer joy!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Four housemates welcome the reader into their home for a birthday party. An elderly widow visits her first queer bar, beneath the flat she shared with her husband. A couple invite a shipwrecked sailor into their isolated lighthouse on the stormy night of their thirtieth anniversary. A single woman embarks on a romantic relationship with a sex robot. A married couple secretly prepare for their baby's arrival in a world where procreation is controlled by the Establishment.
Through prose, poetry, essays, illustrations and more, twenty-one writers bring their visions of euphoria to life. These pages celebrate, subvert, expand and reimagine what joy can look like, even in uncertain times.
Switchboard will receive a £1 donation from every copy sold.
Includes contributions Amil (translated by Joheun Lee), Santanu Bhattacharya, Maame Blue, James Cahill, Jenny Chamarette, Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Soula Emmanuel, Selali Fiamanya, Eve Gleichman, Remi Graves, Dylin Hardcastle, Chloe Michelle Howarth, William Rayfet Hunter, Seth Insua, Joshua Jones, Laura Kay, Carrie Marshall, Peo Michie, Elle Nash, Peter Scalpello, Joelle Taylor
About For over 50 years, Switchboard has supported the LGBTQIA+ community through challenges and triumphs, offering a listening ear in difficult times and moments of joy. Their support is completely free and available wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that's via phone (0800 0119 100), chat (switchboard.lgbt) or email (hello@switchboard.lgbt). Switchboard's services are open from 10 am to 10 pm, every single day of the year. Their trained volunteers are available to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity; whether it's sexual health, relationships or just the way you're feeling. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey.
5-Star Reader Reviews for Queerphoria
'Quite possibly the best anthology of queer writing I've ever read. The joy, the grief, the love, the desire, the loss and the hope all intertwine to give the reader a true sense of "Queerphoria"... This is a collection that will continue to echo in your mind and body long after you've finished reading it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Beautiful words, so very needed at this point in time... Wonderfully crafted' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This collection was delightful, I read it all in one go, so consumed was I by the sheer romp and rebellious nature of it. A strong, and brilliant, revelation of queer joy!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 23, 2026
This anthology is such a special collection. Every story feels distinct, but together they create a powerful celebration of queer voices, exploring love, identity, grief, joy, friendship, family and everything in between. It’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of, yet every story lingers long after you’ve finished it.
My standout favourite was Wet by Dylin Hardcastle & illustrated by Peo Michie, which completely captivated me with beautiful writing and emotional depth. I also absolutely loved Five Repetition by Joshua Jones, This is the Noise That Keeps Me Awake by Carrie Marshall, Prejudice & Pride by Santanu Bhattacharya, Gay House by Chloe Michelle Howarth, Good Legs by Elle Nash and This Might Be the Place by Laura Kay. Each brought something completely different to the collection, whether it was heartbreak, humour, tenderness or hope, and they were the stories I kept thinking about afterwards.
As with any anthology, there were stories that resonated with me more than others, but the overall quality was incredibly high. It’s a collection that showcases just how varied, moving and unforgettable queer writing can be.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy x
My standout favourite was Wet by Dylin Hardcastle & illustrated by Peo Michie, which completely captivated me with beautiful writing and emotional depth. I also absolutely loved Five Repetition by Joshua Jones, This is the Noise That Keeps Me Awake by Carrie Marshall, Prejudice & Pride by Santanu Bhattacharya, Gay House by Chloe Michelle Howarth, Good Legs by Elle Nash and This Might Be the Place by Laura Kay. Each brought something completely different to the collection, whether it was heartbreak, humour, tenderness or hope, and they were the stories I kept thinking about afterwards.
As with any anthology, there were stories that resonated with me more than others, but the overall quality was incredibly high. It’s a collection that showcases just how varied, moving and unforgettable queer writing can be.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy x
April 18, 2026
Thank you to the publishers, author and Net Galley for this Advance Reader Copy of Queerphoria.
This anthology was so well written: every writer has their own unique style, and navigating between each one was a very pleasant experience.
I couldn’t put this book down ! The beautifully written short stories, poems and essays will stay with me for a long time, that’s for sure. I went through so many emotions reading this book, from grief to joy!
As with all anthologies, I had favourites, and other parts which touched me a bit less. However, I had no story which left me emotionless. My favourite was “This might be the place” by Laura Key…
I honestly recommend this book to anyone who is curious and looking for a book that will stay with them .
This anthology was so well written: every writer has their own unique style, and navigating between each one was a very pleasant experience.
I couldn’t put this book down ! The beautifully written short stories, poems and essays will stay with me for a long time, that’s for sure. I went through so many emotions reading this book, from grief to joy!
As with all anthologies, I had favourites, and other parts which touched me a bit less. However, I had no story which left me emotionless. My favourite was “This might be the place” by Laura Key…
I honestly recommend this book to anyone who is curious and looking for a book that will stay with them .
May 28, 2026
4.5⭐️
Loved loved loved.
A range of stories, poems, and excerpts from many different queer writers about identity, community, and love in the LGBTQIA+ community. A lot of queer literature focuses on discrimination and violence, and while that is not forgotten about, this book really highlights the joy that comes from feeling accepted, being able to be truly yourself.
Loved loved loved.
A range of stories, poems, and excerpts from many different queer writers about identity, community, and love in the LGBTQIA+ community. A lot of queer literature focuses on discrimination and violence, and while that is not forgotten about, this book really highlights the joy that comes from feeling accepted, being able to be truly yourself.
June 11, 2026
📚 ARC Review 📚
Queerphoria is an anthology that does exactly what its title promises: it celebrates queer joy, gathering prose, poetry, and essays across three sections: Queerphoria in the Self, in Love and Sex, and in Community. Rather than reading cover to cover, this is a collection I’m dipping in and out of, and it rewards that kind of wandering. I’ll note some of the writing I’ve enjoyed so far:
Lynsey Rogers' 'Selected queer joy as a late-bloomer' is a gorgeous, relatable inventory of coming into one's queer identity - the small things noticed, appreciated, and gained along the way. Carrie Marshall's 'What does queerphoria sound like?' explores how music can be used for self-understanding, tracing points in the author's life where songs took on new meaning. It's the kind of essay that makes you want to revisit your own teenage playlists with fresh eyes. Aditya Tiwari's poem 'Man in a dress,' a powerful piece which juxtaposes the self and society, the tone moves toward an ending that turns the gaze outward: it is not the speaker, but society, that needs to be “fixed”.
I've also enjoyed Natasha Bell's piece - a speaker noticing other queer people in the world before navigating their own family through shared space. It's intimate and quietly celebratory. Chloe Michelle Howarth's 'Gay House' is a love letter to a shared queer home, focused around a birthday party that feels so welcoming you'll want to stay long after the final line. Amil and Joheun Lee's 'A Butch's Review of a Sex Robot' is a Black Mirror-esque story that follows Youngmin as she rebuilds her sense of self and intimacy after a toxic relationship. It is twisty, original, and unlike anything else you are likely to have read recently.
And my latest read from the anthology is some of Joelle Taylor's poetry which is always an absolute delight - and this is still only a partial picture of what the anthology holds. Whether you read it straight through or let it find you in the right moments, it's a brilliant and joyful addition to any bookshelf and supports @switchboardlgbt 🏳️🌈
Queerphoria is an anthology that does exactly what its title promises: it celebrates queer joy, gathering prose, poetry, and essays across three sections: Queerphoria in the Self, in Love and Sex, and in Community. Rather than reading cover to cover, this is a collection I’m dipping in and out of, and it rewards that kind of wandering. I’ll note some of the writing I’ve enjoyed so far:
Lynsey Rogers' 'Selected queer joy as a late-bloomer' is a gorgeous, relatable inventory of coming into one's queer identity - the small things noticed, appreciated, and gained along the way. Carrie Marshall's 'What does queerphoria sound like?' explores how music can be used for self-understanding, tracing points in the author's life where songs took on new meaning. It's the kind of essay that makes you want to revisit your own teenage playlists with fresh eyes. Aditya Tiwari's poem 'Man in a dress,' a powerful piece which juxtaposes the self and society, the tone moves toward an ending that turns the gaze outward: it is not the speaker, but society, that needs to be “fixed”.
I've also enjoyed Natasha Bell's piece - a speaker noticing other queer people in the world before navigating their own family through shared space. It's intimate and quietly celebratory. Chloe Michelle Howarth's 'Gay House' is a love letter to a shared queer home, focused around a birthday party that feels so welcoming you'll want to stay long after the final line. Amil and Joheun Lee's 'A Butch's Review of a Sex Robot' is a Black Mirror-esque story that follows Youngmin as she rebuilds her sense of self and intimacy after a toxic relationship. It is twisty, original, and unlike anything else you are likely to have read recently.
And my latest read from the anthology is some of Joelle Taylor's poetry which is always an absolute delight - and this is still only a partial picture of what the anthology holds. Whether you read it straight through or let it find you in the right moments, it's a brilliant and joyful addition to any bookshelf and supports @switchboardlgbt 🏳️🌈
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a delightful anthology!
The various authors who have contributed to this collection were all invited to write something inspired by a single word: Queerphoria. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of their contributions have overlapping themes and ideas, but they are still all so distinct and unique.
There’s a mixture of lots of different mediums here, with some poetry, some short stories, and one or two personal essays. There’s also a wide breadth of settings, from London nightlife, to a remote Scottish lighthouse, to a futuristic Seoul. This variety also reflects the diversity among the writers, who are from a wide variety of different backgrounds and with different identities. Having such a range of writers (and writings) is part of what makes this anthology so special. It is rare to find a queer anthology that feels so representative of the entire queer community, celebrating every facet of it.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The title of this collection doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no sadness, trauma, or tragedy included, and many of the writers don’t shy away from the reality of living life as a queer person. In my opinion though, that’s what makes this book so impactful: that joy, love, and community, can be found amongst everything else. ‘Queerphoria’ means something different to everyone, and this book celebrates that.
I’m really glad I got to pick up a copy of this book, and it was, as always, brilliant to discover new writers. This is definitely a collection worth checking out, and I can guarantee that you will find something in these pages that will move you.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The various authors who have contributed to this collection were all invited to write something inspired by a single word: Queerphoria. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of their contributions have overlapping themes and ideas, but they are still all so distinct and unique.
There’s a mixture of lots of different mediums here, with some poetry, some short stories, and one or two personal essays. There’s also a wide breadth of settings, from London nightlife, to a remote Scottish lighthouse, to a futuristic Seoul. This variety also reflects the diversity among the writers, who are from a wide variety of different backgrounds and with different identities. Having such a range of writers (and writings) is part of what makes this anthology so special. It is rare to find a queer anthology that feels so representative of the entire queer community, celebrating every facet of it.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The title of this collection doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no sadness, trauma, or tragedy included, and many of the writers don’t shy away from the reality of living life as a queer person. In my opinion though, that’s what makes this book so impactful: that joy, love, and community, can be found amongst everything else. ‘Queerphoria’ means something different to everyone, and this book celebrates that.
I’m really glad I got to pick up a copy of this book, and it was, as always, brilliant to discover new writers. This is definitely a collection worth checking out, and I can guarantee that you will find something in these pages that will move you.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I write this in June 2026 in the UK, where this book is being published. Our government institution for equality has recently released new guidance clarifying that I’m not equal at all. Everywhere I look my trans siblings are being killed for being themselves. A rich gay guy has just released a TV series saying “homophobia is bad” and people are acting as though this is a controversial statement. We’re sliding backwards.
Into this maelstrom comes Queerphoria, a collection of short stories about queer joy, which I was lucky enough to read via NetGalley. I was hoping this book would be a stirring call to arms, something to ignite the passions and inspire resistance as it reminded us all why we came out in the first place, trying to find and nurture that tiny spark of realisation that makes all the bullshit worth wading through. What I found was slightly different.
NetGalley in all their infinite wisdom decided to remove access to the book before I could write this review, therefore I can’t namecheck the appropriate authors directly - thanks for that - but to me the best pieces here are excellent: weighty, oscillating with meaning and power whilst slipping a precise blade into the centre of my brain. The story about a widow returning to her family home after it had been converted into a gay bar hit very hard, layering the loss and regret of mourning someone else as well as the loss of the you that could’ve been, all while trying to be a functional human as drama unfolds around you. The story about the lighthouse keepers painted a rich oil painting of love, trust and security, the stability of the stone anchoring the emotions despite the winds of doubt assailed against them. I would mention more but my short-term memory is bad; suffice to say that I remember that there were multiple great moments scattered throughout, striking my brain, heart and gut frequently and powerfully.
However I found the stories describing joy within the mundane to be annoyingly complacent at this instant - if I don’t have a magical lesbian house of comfort and support to live in, hearing someone describe one pushes me towards jealousy and resentment - more a reflection on me than the book to be honest. And the piece turned in by the excellent Soula Emmanuel (whose Wild Geese reduced me to a wreck last year) was very well-written but cramped and stifled by its brevity.
The book is definitely good and is worthy of your support, but it seems to be less a strident treatise about finding joy despite adversity and more an all-rounder, trying to cover all bases at once. I should be more balanced I suppose, the fact that any publisher is willing to print queer perspectives is to be lauded right now, but my heart was longing for a bright Molotov Cocktail of a book instead of a buffet.
Into this maelstrom comes Queerphoria, a collection of short stories about queer joy, which I was lucky enough to read via NetGalley. I was hoping this book would be a stirring call to arms, something to ignite the passions and inspire resistance as it reminded us all why we came out in the first place, trying to find and nurture that tiny spark of realisation that makes all the bullshit worth wading through. What I found was slightly different.
NetGalley in all their infinite wisdom decided to remove access to the book before I could write this review, therefore I can’t namecheck the appropriate authors directly - thanks for that - but to me the best pieces here are excellent: weighty, oscillating with meaning and power whilst slipping a precise blade into the centre of my brain. The story about a widow returning to her family home after it had been converted into a gay bar hit very hard, layering the loss and regret of mourning someone else as well as the loss of the you that could’ve been, all while trying to be a functional human as drama unfolds around you. The story about the lighthouse keepers painted a rich oil painting of love, trust and security, the stability of the stone anchoring the emotions despite the winds of doubt assailed against them. I would mention more but my short-term memory is bad; suffice to say that I remember that there were multiple great moments scattered throughout, striking my brain, heart and gut frequently and powerfully.
However I found the stories describing joy within the mundane to be annoyingly complacent at this instant - if I don’t have a magical lesbian house of comfort and support to live in, hearing someone describe one pushes me towards jealousy and resentment - more a reflection on me than the book to be honest. And the piece turned in by the excellent Soula Emmanuel (whose Wild Geese reduced me to a wreck last year) was very well-written but cramped and stifled by its brevity.
The book is definitely good and is worthy of your support, but it seems to be less a strident treatise about finding joy despite adversity and more an all-rounder, trying to cover all bases at once. I should be more balanced I suppose, the fact that any publisher is willing to print queer perspectives is to be lauded right now, but my heart was longing for a bright Molotov Cocktail of a book instead of a buffet.
May 18, 2026
3⭐️
Most of the stories seem to have a very white centric view of being queer I wish we had got more poc’s stories that focused on how their queerness and race worked together there was a few but I wish there had been more
Most of these stories have a very specific view of what queerness is and for a lot of people that’s not the case and I don’t think that was explored enough
I loved the focus on queer joy in this book as a lot of queer media is just full of queer suffering and while there is talks of queer suffering it’s not all the stories and it is used as a way to further show show queer joy
As is the case with anthologies there was some stories which were so beautiful and some that I just didn’t mesh with but I do think there is a little something for everyone in this book
Thank you Netgalley and VERVE books for the digital arc
June 27, 2026
I really liked this collection! There was a wide variety of queer voices represented and I particularly enjoyed the stories, "Gigi and Sortiria," "Prejudice and Pride," and "This Might Be The Place." Some of the pieces did not feel as connected to the larger collection or the queerphoria, but were still immensely enjoyable.
The concept of queerphoria gives a name to a feeling I used many words to describe prior to this. To learn about the joy of being queer and the joys of being a part of queer community was really heartwarming for me as a queer person who does not always feel joy in being queer. It makes me feel hopeful about feeling more euphoric in my identity and feeling more included in the community.
Thank you to VERVE Books for providing the ARC and giving me the chance to read this during Pride Month.
#NetGalley #Queerphoria
The concept of queerphoria gives a name to a feeling I used many words to describe prior to this. To learn about the joy of being queer and the joys of being a part of queer community was really heartwarming for me as a queer person who does not always feel joy in being queer. It makes me feel hopeful about feeling more euphoric in my identity and feeling more included in the community.
Thank you to VERVE Books for providing the ARC and giving me the chance to read this during Pride Month.
#NetGalley #Queerphoria
June 11, 2026
Queerphoria is an exceptionally well-crafted anthology of queer voices. From poetry to prose and short stories, this collection is consistently engaging. It creates space for voices from across the LGBTQ+ community and showcases a wide range of writing styles. I particularly loved that each author had a mini profile with links to their social media. It felt personal and introduced me to many new writers whose work I want to explore further. A must-own for anyone who enjoys queer literature.
June 28, 2026
Queerphoria is a joyful and defiant queer-authored anthology. £1 from every book sold goes to Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line. 🏳️🌈
An incredibly important book full of essays, short stories and poems by some amazing writers. All very different and yet I enjoyed reading each one. I love short stories. You can always dip in and out of them and there were some I wished were longer.
An incredibly important book full of essays, short stories and poems by some amazing writers. All very different and yet I enjoyed reading each one. I love short stories. You can always dip in and out of them and there were some I wished were longer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quite possibly the best anthology of queer writing I've ever read. The joy, the grief, the love, the desire, the loss, and the hope all intertwine to give the reader a true sense of 'Queerphoria'. The short stories, prose pieces, poems, and essays embody what it means to be queer, then and now; all of which centre humanity first and foremost. Through reading this kaleidoscopic anthology of fantastic writers, you will cry, you will laugh, you will feel the eroticism of some stories, and the ache of others, and you will be seen in a way that is euphoric. VERVE set out to create a collection that will resonate and they've succeeded - this is a collection that will continue to echo in your mind and body long after you've finished reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a joyous & necessary anthology of queer stories, poems & essays. I think now more than ever, a book like this is so needed & as a reader who doesn't usually sway towards anthologies of any kind, I had a really good time reading this! I especially loved the range in this, different lengths of writing by authors I know & love, some I hadn't known of but are now on my radar & a few by the book community which was a great addition. Some I connected to more than others but there were none I disliked in this & I love that all readers will be able to pick different favourites from this. An obvious recommendation for June but highly suggest picking this up any time of the year for some essential queer joy.
Thank you Verve Books for my gifted copy!
Thank you Verve Books for my gifted copy!
April 26, 2026
3.25 stars ⭐️
Queerphoria is a collection of essays, poems, and fictional pieces on the different sides of the queer experience. I truly liked the diversity of them all, it was truly interesting to read about all these different experiences. My main critique would be on the length of some pieces; some were extremely short, and others went on for a lot more.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-Arc!
Queerphoria is a collection of essays, poems, and fictional pieces on the different sides of the queer experience. I truly liked the diversity of them all, it was truly interesting to read about all these different experiences. My main critique would be on the length of some pieces; some were extremely short, and others went on for a lot more.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-Arc!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews