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:
Video, Culture, Books, News, Toronto

Keep Reading

New report details online anti-trans hate following Tumbler Ridge shooting

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network analyzed the wave of anti-LGBTQ2S+ social media posts following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
A trans flag is waved in front of the U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court upholds bans on trans women and girls in women’s sports

The 6-3 decision sets a new precedent for Title IX and legislation restricting trans people in sports
Two photos by lesbian photographer Phyllis Christopher. On the left, lesbians at a pride event in San Francisco. On the right, a lesbian tattoo.

Parties and protests: The photographs of Phyllis Christopher

The iconic photographer captured textured, erotic and political images of San Francisco lesbians as they were

LGBTQ2S+ customers buy less from brands that roll back inclusion: Report

New research from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation found that LGBTQ2S+ consumers represent more than US $3.9 trillion globally in purchasing power
Advertisement