Beyond Binary: Genderqueer and Sexually Fluid Speculative Fiction

by Lee Mandelo (Editor)

Overview

Speculative fiction is the literature of questions, of challenges and imagination, and what better to question than the ways in which gender and sexuality have been rigidly defined, partitioned off, put in little boxes? These seventeen stories explore the ways in which identity can go beyond binary from space colonies to small college towns, from angels to androids, and from a magical past to other worlds entirely, the authors in this collection have brought to life wonderful tales starring people who proudly define (and redefine) their own genders, sexualities, identities, and so much else in between.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781590210055
Publisher:	Lethe Press
Publication date:	01/31/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	276
Sales rank:	359,360
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Lee Mandelo (he/they) is a writer, critic, and occasional editor whose fields of interest include speculative and queer fiction, especially when the two coincide. Summer Sons, their debut novel, is a contemporary southern gothic dealing with queer masculinity, fast cars, and ugly inheritances. Their other work can be found in magazines such as Tor.com, Uncanny, and Nightmare, and they have been a past nominee for various awards including the Nebula, Lambda, and Hugo. Aside from a brief stint overseas learning to speak Scouse, Lee has spent their life ranging across Kentucky, currently living in Lexington and pursuing a PhD at the University of Kentucky.

Table of Contents

''Sea of Cortez'' by Sandra McDonald

''Eye of the Storm'' by Kelley Eskridge

"Fisherman'' by Nalo Hopkinson

''Pirate Solutions'' by Katie Sparrow

''A Wild and a Wicked Youth'' by Ellen Kushner

''Prosperine When it Sizzles'' by Tansy Roberts

''The Faery Cony-Catcher'' by Delia Sherman

''Palimpsest'' by Catherynne M. Valente

''Another Coming'' by Sonya Taaffe

''Bleaker Collegiate Presents an All-Female Production of Waiting for Godot'' by Claire Humphrey

''The Ghost Party'' by Richard Larson

''Bonehouse'' by Keffy R. M. Kehrli

''Sex with Ghosts'' by Sarah Kanning

''Spoiling Veena'' by Keyan Bowes

''Self-Reflection'' by Tobi Hill-Meyer

''The Metamorphosis Bud'' by Liu Wen Zhuang

''Schrodinger's Pussy'' by Terra LeMay

Editorial Reviews

Mandelo’s introduction explains, “Non-binary identities and expressions are often marginalized; our voices are silenced, our identities are effaced, and our stories go untold.” Defying that trend of oppression, the narrative voices of these 17 stories are loud and strong. “Fisherman” by Nalo Hopkinson, a deeply intimate story about a “mannish woman” visiting a brothel, questions notions of socially acceptable relationships. Sandra McDonald’s poignant “Sea of Cortez” explores covert sexuality on board a navy ship during WWII. “Schrödinger’s Pussy” by Terra LeMay is a love letter of sorts that illuminates what it means to be human, regardless of gender or sexual preference. These and other stellar stories from Catherynne M. Valente, Ellen Kushner, Delia Sherman, and Tansy Rayner Roberts will inspire writers, delight and satisfy readers who are already familiar with fluid gender identities, and leave newly enlightened readers determined to make the world more welcoming. (May)

Publishers Weekly

''Mandelo's introduction explains, 'Non-binary identities and expressions are often marginalized; our voices are silenced, our identities are effaced, and our stories go untold.' Defying that trend of oppression, the narrative voices of these 17 stories are loud and strong. ''Fisherman'' by Nalo Hopkinson, a deeply intimate story about a 'mannish woman' visiting a brothel, questions notions of socially acceptable relationships. Sandra McDonald's poignant ''Sea of Cortez'' explores covert sexuality on board a navy ship during WWII. ''Schrodinger's Pussy'' by Terra LeMay is a love letter of sorts that illuminates what it means to be human, regardless of gender or sexual preference. These and other stellar stories from Catherynne M. Valente, Ellen Kushner, Delia Sherman, and Tansy Rayner Roberts will inspire writers, delight and satisfy readers who are already familiar with fluid gender identities, and leave newly enlightened readers determined to make the world more welcoming.'' --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Some of these pieces are truly strange. Some are delicious romps. But in the end this is the rarest of anthologies: the sum is greater than its parts. Read it. Read it all.'' --Nicola Griffith, multiple award-winning author and editor

From the Publisher