Shyam Selvadurai on writing gay characters

'I start with the assumption that the protagonist is always gay'

Shyam Selvadurai’s new book, The Hungry Ghosts, features a gay character. His previous books, Funny Boy and Cinnamon Gardens, also have main characters who are gay.

“I start with the assumption that the protagonist is always gay,” he says.

In the below video interview with Vivek Shraya, Selvadurai discusses his gay characters and the insatiable desires of hungry ghosts.

He also offers some writing tips to Shraya, who recently published a collection of short stories entitled God Loves Hair.

Shraya will be moderating a panel of notable young queer writers, Querying the Page, at the Palmerston branch of the Toronto Public Library on Tuesday, May 14.

On occasion, the number of editors and other staff who contribute to a story gets a little unwieldy to give a byline to everyone. That’s when we use “Xtra Staff” in place of the usual contributor info. If you would like more information on who contributed to a particular story, please contact us here.

Read More About:
Books, Video, Culture, News, Toronto

Keep Reading

Conservative platform pledges ban on trans women in women’s prisons

ANALYSIS: The Conservative Party of Canada’s 2025 federal election platform also hints at possible future anti-trans policies

Quinn’s inaugural NSL goal is a big deal for trans sports

ANALYSIS: The Vancouver Rise midfielder ensured that trans people will play a starring role in the new era of sports in Canada

Canadian musicians pull U.S. tour dates in wake of visa restrictions

Bells Larsen and T. Thomason are among trans travellers impacted by Trump’s immigration policies

What John Oliver’s trans sports episode got right

ANALYSIS: The “Last Week Tonight” host tackled fairness in sports with a pitch-perfect blend of facts and empathy