#straight expectations

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

“Legislation is a crucial component in any liberation struggle, but it is only a component.”

- Julie Bindel, Straight Expectations

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

“Feminism has never had corporate sponsors. The extent of business support for feminist projects seems limited to some backing from the Body Shop for Refuge, the domestic abuse charity, and little else. Because radical feminism focuses on the destruction of existing institutions as much as it calls for constructive actions, it is not an easy sell. The status quo is profitable, and we are a demographic that can be affordably ignored. Doing the right thing is attractive to business only when it comes with a promise of good press and better sales.“

- Julie Bindel, Straight Expectations

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

“The whole gay community, not just its charities, is led by business. The sponsorship of Pride, the production of pornography, the proliferation of dating sites and clubs in our towns and cities are all examples of our progress becoming about profit.

There are some very rich men in the gay community and a number of them spend a lot of money acquiring sex. Sex sells, and because we are identified and defined by our sexual practices, we are just as good a target for adverts and business as anyone else.

As we saw in the previous chapter, in recent years a massive amount of money has been spent by lesbians and gay men on acquiring children. Those selling embryos, sperm, IVF, surrogacy services and so on have targeted and encouraged us to have the latest accessory - children. Reproduction is a big money-spinner. Heterosexuals have never been so directly led by a commercial pull to have kids.

Lesbians and gay men want to be seen as 'normal' and this can be sold to us like conformity is sold to everyone.”

- Julie Bindel, Straight Expectations

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

“Being ‘tolerated’ is less attractive to me than being despised.”

- Julie Bindel, Straight Expectations

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

Julie Bindel, on ‘choosing to be a lesbian’ (all quotes from her book Straight Expectations):

“When I argue that, for me, being a lesbian is a positive choice rather than something imposed upon me by a quirk of nature, I am roundly criticised and viewed with suspicion. I have been accused of being a fake lesbian, a cold fish and of appropriating the term 'lesbian' to further my man-hating, anti-heterosexual agenda.

I made a conscious and happy choice to be a lesbian and reckon that when we have less anti-gay bigotry, more people will be free to do so.”

“I learned from the feminists that, to them, lesbianism was a choice that women could make, not a condition we are born with. 'All women can be lesbians' was the mantra. I loved the sense that I had chosen my sexuality. Rather than being ashamed or apologetic about it, as many women were, I could be proud and see it as a privilege.”

“Lesbian radicalism can offer liberation to all women. The society we live in is undeniably patriarchal. If we persuade people that sexuality is a choice, then we persuade people that they can opt out of patriarchy, and start to challenge for equal pay and an end of discrimination against all women. If we end discrimination and prescribed gender roles, we save women and make society fairer and more enjoyable for both sexes.”

“It is extremely challenging to argue a point that you know is radical when parts of it are shared by closed-minded chauvinists with an opposing agenda. When I say that as a feminist I do not want children, there are always bigots ready to agree with why I should not procreate, confusing my choice with their morality. If I complain that lesbians and gay men should not be joining the unequal and anti-feminist institution of marriage, voices apparently agree that we should not be allowed to. If I proclaim loudly that being a lesbian can be a positive alternative for women who feel trapped by the expectations imposed by heterosexuality, I am told by my gay sisters and brothers that by suggesting we have any control whatsoever over our sexual orientation, I am giving strength to those religious zealots who wish to see us all 'cured'.”

“Gay liberationists used to set the agenda for change, but now our enemies do. As a response to Christian bigots arguing that we can be converted to heterosexuality, a seemingly growing number of gay men and lesbians claim that we are born gay, despite there being no credible evidence to support this. Many who hold this view argue that none of us would opt to be gay if we could help it, again despite evidence to the contrary… Our entire identity is being reduced to a fictional genetic quirk, and those of us who switch from being happily straight to lesbian or gay are dismissed as bisexual, confused or curious.”

[dyslexic-book-swallower]

Books i read in 2023 in the order i read them in.

This poison heart by Kalynn Bayron

if you like herbalism, witchcraft, greek mythology and family secrest. This one's for you

blurb

To break an ancient curse she must let her power bloom. Brises has a gift. She can grow an apple tree from seed in a heartbeat, and flowers bloom at her touch. And when she inherits an old house, she suddenly has the privacy to test her powers for the first time. But as Bri starts to magic the house's ramling grounds back to life, she finds she also inherited generations of secrets. In a hidden garden overgrown with the most deadly poisonous plants on earth a dark legacy lies waiting for her. And Bri's long-departed ancestors won't let her rest until she finds it.

The wicked fate by Kalynn Bayron

in the sequel to 'this poision heart' you get ore time with Bri and her crazy but loveable family.

Blurb

To save the people she loves she must make her power blossom. Brises has one chance to rescue her motger, but she'll need to do the impossible: find the last fragment of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. To locate the missing piece she must turn to the blood relatives she's never known, learn about their secrets powers and take her place in their anicent lingage. But Bri is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies wil stop at nothing to fufil thei own ruthless plans. With dark forces and deadly botanicals descending around her, Bri must harness her powers to change the most dangerous of fates ahead her. And her enemies won't make it easy.

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Sone, Ashley Woodfolk, Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Are you a lover of YA with a focus on Black youth who all have trouble with love? why don't you try this loveable yet infuriating short story collection.

Blurb

Six of the biggest stars of YA bring all the electricity of love to a charming, hilarious and heartbreaking tales that shine the brightest light throiugh the dark. When a heatwave plunges new York City into darkness, sparks fly for thirteen teenagers caught up in the blackout. A first time meeting. Long-time friends. Bitter exes. And maybe the begnning of something new. When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truths. Love blossoms, friendship transform, and new possibilities take flight.

Other words for home by Jamine Warga

New to middle easten fiction? Here's a soft start with a heartwarming middle grad book.

blurb

Jude never thought she'd be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming Volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everthing in America seems too fast and loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven't quite prepared her for starting school in the US, and for her new label of "Middle eastren", an identity she's never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises- there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. This lyrical, life-affirming story is baout losing and finding home and, most important, finding yourself.

Hani and Ishu's guide to fake dating by Adiba Jaigrdar

A little fake dating with some Bengali rep and academic overachievering and a partner who fights for you? Try this!

Blurb

Easy going and popular Hani Khan has it all. Until she comes out as bisexual and her friends don't believe her. An academic overachiever, Ishu Dey has a lot to prove. But her shot at head girl relies on being popular. Their solution? Pretend to be dating, even though theu hardly know each other and definitely don't like each other. But as they get closer, things get messy. Can two Bengali girls find happliy ever after- even whe the odds are stacked against them?

Aristotle and Dante discover the sercets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Do you wanna read a gay love story with a stubbon yet protective boy set in during the aids criss? Try this classic book who is still pretty timeless.

Blurb

Aristole is an angery teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all with a unique perspective on life. When the two first meet, they seem to have nothing in common; but as they start speading time together, they develop a special friendship - the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. Together, Ari and Dante vil learn the most important truths about the universe, love, and the kinds of people they want to be.

Last night at the telegraph club by Malinda Lo

Do you like a little history in your sapphic romance? Try this heartbreaking romance set in 1954, during red scare in Chinatown.

Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Lilly Hu can't remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kaltheen Miller walked under the flashing neon lights of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lilly. With deportation looming over her father - despite his hard-won citizenship - Lilly and Kath risk everthing to let their love see the light of day.

Aristotle and Dante dive into the waters of the world by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

In this squel to 'Aristotle and Dante discover the sercets of the universe' you get to see our loved couple have fun, fight, and make op. if you've read the first one, you needddd to read this one.

Blurb

Ari's spent his life hiding who he really is, staying silent and invisble - but something in him cracked open when he fell in love with Dante last summer, and he can't go back. Together, the boys are determined to make themselves seen and heard in a world that challenges their very existence. But when Ari is faced with a shocking loss, he'll have to fight like never before to create a life that is truthfully, joyfully his own.

Husband material by Alexis Hall

in this squel to 'Boyfriend material' see a couple fight through weddings and a funeral, and their own wedding nighmare.

Blurb

WANTED: One (Very real) husband Nowhere near perfect but desperately trying his best Two years ago, Luc O'Donnell and Oliver Blackwood met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disapointment and family and friends... and somehow fingured out a way to make it all work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting mattied, and Luc's feeling the social pressure to propose. That's what you do when you love someone this desperately, right? But it'll take more than four weddings and a fueral and a hostly contested rainbow ballon arch to get this semi-disagraced son of a former rock stars and his tightly buttoned-up boyfriend from "I don't know when I'm doing" to "I do" Good thing Oliver is such perfect husband material

Whiteout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Sone, Ashley Woodfolk, Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Where you a fan of 'blackout'? check this out, hell. Even you weren't or haven't read it, if you like cozy love and chaos maybe this one's for you

Blurb

As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm?

No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can’t always prepare for the magical moments that change everything..

The other ones by Fran Hart

Are you a fan of cozy, haunting and gay? This is a perfect fall read for all thoses with wild dreams.

Blurb

Sal hates standing out. But he lives in a haunted house- and everyone know it. His oldest friend, Dirk, tries to help...but he wants to stay popular, and Sal isn't helping. Elsie was popular- until rescently. Now she's on the outcast's table too...and she doesn't want to talk about it. Then there's the new boy, Pax, who won't leave Sal alone. His idea of a good time is hanging out in graveyards. And for some reason. Sal just can't stay away. Meet the other ones Can they banish their ghosts together?

Wranglestone by Darren Charlton

Zombies, gayness, and secrets?

Blurb

The islands of lake wrangelstone are a safe haven in a world filled with the restless dead, but as the lake frezzes over. There's nothing stopping them from crossing the ice. Peter had never really felt at home in a place where practicality and grit are valued above all else. He's nothing like Cooper- the boy he's always watched form afar. But when he is ordered to join Copper on the mainland, they find more then just each other. There they unearth a dark secret about Wranglestone's past. One that forces the pair to question everything they've ever known.

You're not supposed to die tonight by Kalynn bayron

Are you a fan of horror movies but do you want a book version? Try this spine chilling book.

Blurb

Charity has the summer job of her dreams, playing the “final girl” at Camp Mirror Lake. Guests pay to be scared in this full-contact terror game, as Charity and her summer crew recreate scenes from a classic slasher film, The Curse of Camp Mirror Lake. The more realistic the fear, the better for business. But the last weekend of the season, Charity's co-workers begin disappearing. And when one ends up dead, Charity's role as the final girl suddenly becomes all too real. If Charity and her girlfriend Bezi hope to survive the night, they'll need figure out what this killer is after. As they unravel the bloody history of the real Mirror Lake, Charity discovers that there may be more to the story than she ever suspected . . .

Encyclopedia of Magical herbs by Scott Cunningham

Hoping to meet that spcial someone? wear a sprig of maidenhair fern. Having problems with your cash flow? Burn cloves as incense to attract riches. Want ot enhance your psychic abilities? Brew up some dandelion root tea. In days gone by out ancestors lived in harmony with the earth. They knew which plants could heal and which ones could kill. They also knewn that plants harbored magical powers, forces that could be harnessed adn dircted to fulfill a need- angthing from protecting a house to finding true love. Magical herbalism is the use of these powers to create postive changes. The revised and updated fiffteenth anniversary edition contains the folklore and magical properites of over 400 herbs. Far from the concentrating on esoteric, unobtainable plants, many of those mentioned within are old friends. the magical properites of onions, cashews, apples, rice, lettuce- as well as dill, basil, fennel, garlic, and parsley are descired. Extensive tables, a cross-reference of folk names, glossary, and annotated bibliography make this a comprehensive and valuable guide to the pratice of magical herblism.

The sun and the star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Were you a Percy Jackson kid with a love for the mirror charaters? Go with Nico and Will on the worst trip ever.

blurb

As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life–literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far... Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades’s realm. Nico’s dreams and Rachel Dare’s latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico’s mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to “leave something of equal value behind?”

I wish you all the best by Mason Deaver

Looking for read with non-binary rep? Live with Ben as their worst nightmare turns out to not be so bad

Blurb

When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school. But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.

Home body by Rupi Kaur

Honestly, i didn't really like this one

Blurb

i dive into the well of my body and end up in another world everything i need already exists in me there’s no need to look anywhere else – home

The Lesbiana's Guide To Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

Did you too grow op in an unaccepting place? Bare witness to Yami's struggle at a new school.

Blurb

Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she's gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way. After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don't fall in love. Granted, she's never been great at any of those things, but that's a problem for Future Yami. The thing is, it's hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn't going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she'll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?

Timberdark by Darren Charlton

Well, if you read 'Wranglestone', i'd hurry to the book store for Timerdark

Blurb

With the tide turned against the Dead, Peter and the remaining community on Wranglestone prepare to leave for town, where the comforts of the world before await them. Could this be the home that finally brings both safety and unity for all? Cooper isn't so sure. He harbours feelings from that terrible night on the lake and worse, a secret... codename, Timberdark. With Cooper's new found connection to the Dead, Peter's suspicions about what he might do next grow. Faced with losing the boy he loves, Peter must uncover the truth about the mysterious Timberdark before their future together and the world around them is placed in danger.

Straight expectations by Calum Mcswiggan

Did you ever wish you were't gay? Well take a look at what that wish gives you.

Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Max has always been out, proud and just a little spoiled. Frustrated by the lack of romantic options in his small-town high school, during an argument with his lifelong best friend Dean, Max lashes out and says he wishes he had never been born gay. Max gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up to find his wish has come true - not only have his feelings for boys vanished, but so has Dean. With his school life turned upside down and his relationship with his family in tatters, Max sets out on a journey of rediscovery to find a way back to the life he took for granted, and the romance he thought he'd never have.

Cupid's revenge by Wibke Brueggemann

Honestly, this book is sorta just 'you had to be there' situation. If you like sad gayness, i'd give it a shot.

blurb

It was never Tilly’s intention to fall in love, but Cupid will get you when you least expect it. That’s exactly what happens when Tilly’s best friend, Teddy, ropes Tilly into a plan to woo his dream girl, aspiring actress Katherine Cooper-Bunting. It turns out Teddy’s not the only one who finds her dreamy. But Katherine is off-limits. The only thing more important than Tilly’s feelings for someone she just met is not hurting Teddy, whose heart has been broken in the past. Avoiding temptation is easier said than done, as Teddy convinces Tilly to help him audition for a local play as a way to get to know Katherine better―a complete horror for someone who grew up in an artsy family but doesn’t have a creative bone in her body. On top of dealing with her growing feelings for the girl she shouldn’t like (but who may like her back), Tillie is still grieving a loss while navigating her grandfather’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis. So yeah, that’s a lot for any sixteen-year-old to handle without Cupid’s vengeful arrows getting involved.

[biblionerdreflections]

Blog Tour ARC Review - Straight Expectations

Today is my stop on the #UltimateBlogTour for STRAIGHT EXPECTATIONS by @CalumMcSwiggan. Thank you to @The_WriteReads and @penguinplatform for allowing me to participate in the tour! #BookBlogger #LGBT #YA

Hello, everyone! Today is my stop on TheWriteReads Ultimate Blog Tour for Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan. I was going to pass on this one because I have so many other queer YA books on my shelf to read, but the premise of this one really stood out to me. I decided to give it a chance, and I’m really glad I did. Genre(s): YA, Queer, Contemporary, LGBT Publication Date: May 4, 2023…

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[alexsfictionaddiction]

Review: Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan

I was delighted to be invited to join The Write Reads blog tour for this colourful new YA release. There really are few things I love more than a good gay rom-com, so I was very excited to devour this one. In case you were wondering, it is absolutely no relation to the Charles Dickens classic novel of a similar name!

Max has always been out and proud but recently, he has been frustrated with his inability to get a boyfriend in the small town he lives in. One evening, while hanging out with his best friends Dean and Alicia, he loses it and wishes that he could just live a normal life like the straight kids seem to. But the next morning, Max is astonished to discover that his crush on Oliver Cheng has gone and that Alicia is apparently his girlfriend -and he can see how hot she is! The worst part is that Dean doesn’t seem to exist in this reality. How can Max get back to the life where he’s living his truth alongside his best friend?

I think my favourite part of this book was the fact that it all felt so authentic. I don’t think that Max could have been written by anyone other than a queer man and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of Max’s thoughts and feelings mirror the thoughts and feelings that McSwiggan knows very well. I definitely believed in all of the other characters too, so I’m sure that they’ve also been lifted from real life.

I really enjoyed the humour and laughed along with Max and his friends multiple times. They make such stupid, juvenile comments but they’re the kind that you can’t help but laugh at. I also adored how strongly their love shines through their dialogue and there’s a real found family vibe to them despite them all having supportive, present parents.

The fact that a real LGBTQ+ bookshop is mentioned gave me a lot of joy because I could tell that McSwiggan was shouting out to them. I also noticed a passing reference to a certain queer YA summer camp book that I’ve read and therefore could recognise (at least I hope it’s the one I’m thinking of!). These little Easter eggs drew attention to the queer YA community and I really thought it was a lovely gesture and homage to that.

Ultimately, the story is about the power of good strong friendships in your teenage years. While Straight Expectations is specifically about the importance of these connections for queer kids, the same sentiment could be extended to neurodiverse kids, creative kids or those who are simply ‘a little bit different’ in some way. Finding allies and those who truly understand you on a personal level is vital to good mental health and self-acceptance.

Straight Expectations is a fun, sparkly rom-com about grass not always being greener on the other side but not being able to see that till you’re standing on it. The friendships were so special and I couldn’t stop smiling at the genuine platonic love that leaked through every page, the fabulous theatrical performances and the wholesome ending.