Being True: LGBTQ+ comics from the Boston Comics Roundtable

by Renie Jesanis (Editor), Steph Glass (Co-Editor), Kyri Lorenz (Co-Editor)

Being True, an LGBTQ comics anthology that is an uplifting celebration of LGBTQ life and identity. The stories blend fiction and nonfiction, from fantasy and superhero comics to real and touching stories from the artists’ lives.

85 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most frustrating things for me in regard to LGBT+ representation in media is that so often, it focuses on queer suffering.

This is the exact opposite of that.

This anthology is comprised entirely of short comics (almost vignettes) of queer happiness; discovering a gender identity that fits you for the first time, coming out and being supported, even just spotting someone from your community in a dog park or across the bar. It doesn't shy away from the difficulties of homophobia in our world - there are brief mentions and discussions of trying to fit into a heteronormative mold, or being asked by other community members to "prove" your orientation - but overwhelmingly the focus is on presenting to young queer people or reminding us older folks on days we still struggle that no, being queer does not doom your life to tragedy. There will always be good days, especially when you boldly embrace exactly who you are.

[Angel (jurassicreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this anthology by one of the Kickstarter backers (one of my coworkers) because I was trying to find new queer lit and oh boy did I find it!

This is a very sweet collection of graphic stories. It is a rounded collection of illustrated tales to make anyone LGBTQ+ (and even advocates) feel welcome, understood, and represented. It was beautiful and I am excited to look into some of these artists for more of their work!

[Kit Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved a few of these comics, and I found a lot of them to be very relatable to my experiences as a queer person. I will be looking up a few of the authors to find more of their works.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was SO GOOD! There were a few comic stories that confused because they didn't come together all that well, and it could've been edited a bit better, but I enjoyed so much about this. I loved the message about being true to yourself, and how this anthology celebrated queerness. My favorites were In Bloom, Shirley, Spring is Here, Soul Kiss, Get-Together, The Royal Wedding, Bunny, and Prince or Princess. No surprise that most of them were f/f romances! :D

[Freddie🏳️‍⚧️🐀 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little anthology!
Very light read with a lot of queer joy. Most of the stories work for me, yet some are kinda just cotton candy fluff. They're too short and simple. It's kinda just cute aw, and then next story. A few kinda didn't work for me. It was just short story with a queer ending. It just kinda felt bland. Or some were just eh okay. Thought there are a good chunk of memorable stories i liked here though.
In Bloom- cute little story, cute art. I wish it was the opening story
Palmer- just liked the art style and like finding who you are after meeting other queer people
Strength of the Pack- werewolves!!!!
The Big Reveal- best example of the anthology's short and sweet moments of queer joy ah
Bunny- my favorite! As a trans guy who likes cute stuff I love
Prince or Princess- cute comic about being non binary could be a great comic for younger readers also
The Butt Sniff- just a funny comic

[Daphne Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of comics from LGBTQ+ artists in the Boston area. Due to the array of personal stories and artists behind them, there seems to be a bit of everything for everyone and some stories I would love to see explored further.

[zac carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!

really enjoyed this. found the quality wasn’t super consistent and some of the pieces didn’t feel clear enough. that being said, it was still an enjoyable experience.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely anthology of queer joy.