A collection of stories that celebrate the humour, darkness and depth of emotion of the queer and trans experience that’s not typically represented: liminal or uncertain identities, queer conception and queer joy.

In this delightful debut collection of prize-wining stories, queer, gender-nonconforming and trans characters struggle to find love and forgiveness, despite their sometimes comic, sometimes tragic mistakes. In one story, a young lesbian tries to have a baby with her lover using an unprofessional sperm donor and a high-powered, rainbow-coloured cocktail. In another, a fifth-grader explores gender identity by dressing as an ox – instead of a matriarch – for a class Oregon Trail reenactment. Meanwhile a nonbinary person on the eve of top surgery dangerously experiments with an open relationship during the height of the COVID crisis. With insight and compassion, debut author Lydi Conklin takes their readers to a meeting of a queer feminist book club and to a convention for trans teenagers, revealing both the dark and lovable sides of their characters. The stories in Rainbow Rainbow will make you laugh and wince, sometimes at the same time.
 

"'Conklin brings nuance and compassion to the subject matter and displays a captivating interest in human
contradiction. Conklin’s command of structure ensures that each story has a satisfying arc, but most
impressive is the author’s precise and evocative prose . . . This talented writer is brimming with skills and
heart.'" - —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"'Highlights queer, gender-nonconforming, and trans characters. Most are seeking some sense of connection .
. . Conklin portrays them all with warmth and compassion.'" - Time, A Most Anticipated Book of the Year