I’ve gotten a lot of emails this weekend (because somehow folks think I’m some sort of RWA spokesperson?) about the current kerfuffle over some RWA chapter I’ve never heard of prohibiting homosexual romances in their published novel contest (a contest I think I may have heard of once or twice, but honestly, I don’t keep track of regional published author contests and have never entered one myself).
I am not a member of this chapter. I am a member of the chapters WRW — my local DC chapter — and TARA, which is the Tampa chapter, and which I’m still a member of for nostalgic reasons. (I’m not even a member of YARWA, because 2 RWA chapters is already too many for me.) The only thing I know about this kerfuffle is what I have read on the internet and on the private RWA loops discussing the issue.
Because things on the internet are sometimes completely inaccurate, it has been erroneously reported that this is an RWA National stance. Which is not true. Here is a link to the rules of the RWA national published author contest,w which is called the RITA awards. I am currently judging this contest.
Other things that have been left out of a lot of reports:
- RWA has many members who write LGBT romances. In fact, there’s even an LGBT special interest chapter of RWA. Here is a list of its members. Go buy some of their books.
- This all blew up on the internet on Friday. This is Monday. Just because there has been no official statement from the all-volunteer board of RWA yet does not mean there will not be one.
- My understanding is that RWA National doesn’t have a lot of control over the chapter contests, and if it did, that would be globally bad for the contests for a myriad of reasons relating to the way contests have freedom to make up their own rules (for instance, about what constitutes “published”) that RWA doesn’t necessarily agree with. I don’t know what will happen now, but as it stands, even if RWA National wanted to do something, they might not have jurisdiction.
- The contest has been canceled.
- This small regional contest that hardly anyone ever heard of before Friday had at least one winner last year (I was told two, but I can’t seem to find it) that was a gay romance. The book, called MORE by Sloan Parker, won the award for best first book. Go buy it.
This last point is probably the most relevant of all. Because here’s what I’ve noticed about a lot of these kerfuffles, is that there’s a lot of outcry, but not a lot of follow up. The people on the internet like to pounce and loudly complain about discrimination and threaten boycotts of every book written by every RWA member (no, seriously, that was one email I got this weekend), or boycotts of every book by every RWA member in the chapter in question (another suggestion, to which I say — the only reason I actually know the rules of the contests of the chapters I’m a member of is because I went and looked them up this weekend, given that I am not on the boards, nor on the contest committees, and wouldn’t be entering them myself, so why in the world would I know?), but they aren’t saying, “Hey, you know what? This contest awarded an LGBT romance last year, let’s go buy it and show our support for what they say is an excellent LGBT romance and how it was brought to our attention as such by the judges of this contest.”
Or, hey! Let’s make a list of the people who were GOING to enter their LGBT romances in this contest and read them.
There is an outcry, but there isn’t a lot of follow up.
Last year, there was an outcry over a YA anthology that was prohibiting same-sex stories. There were a LOT of posts about it on the internet. There were a lot of authors who got up in arms and dropped out of not only that anthology, but an anthology being edited by the same editor, an anthology that I was writing for.
In the end, what ended up happening was that the anthology lost half its line up and the editor was removed from the project. We got a new editor, and a new line-up (an AMAZING line up, if I say so myself), and the publisher pledged to donate the proceeds to a homeless shelter for LGBT youth. The new anthology includes several LGBT stories. I’ve read them, they’re great.
And the internet? Is silent. I haven’t seen ONE blog review of this anthology. I haven’t seen ONE comment about the fact that there’s this great new anthology out there with all these LGBT-friendly YA stories in it. About how hey, look at the GOOD we did, by getting all kerfuffly on the internet. It gets better, guys! We complained about discrimination, and there was a response, and now there’s a book out there that would not have existed before, and it’s helping gay homeless youth, and it’s helping gay youth in general, because it’s representing them, and there’s really not enough of that out there.
But hey. Maybe that’s not as fun as being outraged.
You can ask Sailor Boy, I love me some righteous indignation. But I think, if we really want to make things better out there, the best way to do it is to make the fact that there great gay romances out there more visible. I haven’t read More, but I know it beat out debut books in every other genre in that RWA chapter contest in 2011, so that’s a pretty strong recommendation. And I personally think the Brave New Love anthology is fantastic, though I am biased, given that I am in it (though not financially biased, because it could sell a million copies, and I wouldn’t see a penny, being that it was a flat fee).
But don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself. Go out and buy it, knowing that your dollars will be donated to help homeless youth, or enter to win it in the giveaway contest on this very post.
That’s right. Giveaway. Leave a comment in this post, and enter to win your very own copy of Brave New Love. Contest goes until Friday. Since i have two copies to give away, THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS.
ETA: Hello to everyone here from tumblr. Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy the post.
ETA2: I have blogged about my story in the anthology (which is not, just to be clear, an LGBT story) and my inspiration for it.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Thank you for saying this. I’m totally guilty of giving into outrage without following up with the positive.
I just added the book to my Powell’s wishlist.
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:22 am
I think it’s kind of similar to the newspaper thing where they might print a front page story, but when the retraction comes out, it’s buried below the personal ads on page 42.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Would love to win a copy! But just in case, have added it to my Amazon wishlist
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Thanks, Foz. Hope you enjoy!
February 6th, 2012 at 11:19 am
To be honest I didn’t know the editor was removed or the lineup had changed or that there was a new book out there. But I do now. Thanks for clearing the air with the RWA thing, it was all very confusing.
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:24 am
See, Pam? that’s exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve been blogging about it. I even had a whole conversation with a critic on Goodreads about it — and I almost NEVER engage on GR. But for some reason, those conversations haven’t spread the wayt he initial outrage did.
Pam replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:30 am
Its sadmaking actually. I plan to buy a copy and read it and write about it. Its very eye opening honestly, that no one followed up.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Confused on this whole thing….
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:29 am
What’s confusing you, Ashley? Perhaps I can help…
Ashley replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
I guess my confusion is really a question. Why is everyone making such a big deal about this?
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
I think the first reason is that they disapprove of the discrimination, and it’s especially disappointing because this was a contest that had been demonstrably LGBT friendly in the past. And the second reason is that people luuuuuuv drama
February 6th, 2012 at 11:30 am
I heard about what happened with The First Time (I think that’s the title). I think that’s one of the anthos you were talking about. I heard people flip out over it, and then I heard nothing. Just that a bunch of authors dropped the project. It is pretty crappy that people go nuts over stuff like that, then something changes and the world goes silent again. Thank you for this post. That explains a LOT.
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Hey, Kim!
Actually, The First Time is an anthology that was edited by Jessica Verday, and included her fellow debutante 2009 authors. Do not confuse it with the anthology Verday dropped out of.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:31 am
I’ve gotten to the point that I can’t even read the indignant ‘Oh my god do you know who did what now?’ posts. It feels like I’m back in high school in PG County and believe me, that was _ugly_. This is the biggest downfall I see on the internet – anyone can put information out there without having to provide any backup – or disclaimers, and there are the people who blindly believe without due diligence. *sigh*
I’m so glad the anthology went forward and that it’s turned out so well. That is success in itself. Feel free to enter me into the contest – I’ll never turn down free, but I’ll likely end up buying a copy anyway.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:36 am
People like being outraged and angry. So they ignore anytime that people try to fix the problem. I hadn’t heard of this anthology, so it’s nice to know that it exists. I’m also aware of other novels and short stories.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:59 am
Exactly, I’ve seen this happening with all sort of causes.
Is the contest open to international readers? I’m in the UK at the moment. Also, do you know if the anthology will be released in the UK at all?
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Yes to International Readers. And yes to the UK, where it’s already out. It has a slightly different cover (since i have an author copy of the UK version).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brave-New-Love-Mammoth-Books/dp/1849016011/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328547700&sr=8-1
That’s the Amazon UK link.
February 6th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I hadn’t heard about all the drama with the anthology. Actually, this is the first time I’ve heard about it, but it sounds fantastic. You make some really excellent points in general tho!
February 6th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you’re brilliant.
February 6th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
[...] Peterfreund has a post about internet kerfluffles and what happens when things go right. I’m signal-boosting because I remember this particular kerfluffle and I haven’t seen [...]
February 6th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
This book is on my to-read list. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 6th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I think it’s just sad that the people of the internet need to make waves about every. Little. Thing. And then to make a big deal and not seem to care at all when everything is said and done? That’s terrible. If you’re going to get behind a cause, then get behind it. Don’t just stand there looking for your chance to sneak away.
Fantastic post :]
February 6th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Ooh, that anthology looks good. Also, I appreciate your words on this.
February 6th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Would love a copy of the book, if Chance favors me! And well-said on the matter of the kerfuffle. It’s very easy to get outraged on the Internet, and equally easy to relax and go with the flow when things get a semi-quick fix.
February 6th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Hi, Diana,
Thanks for the commonsense approach to a sensitive topic. I would be very interested in reading your anthology.
Helen
February 6th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I did post about the anthology yesterday but didn’t link to the previous controversy (I admit it was more of a “yay, new releases”-type post than anything else) AND I had no idea the lineup now has more LGBT stories.
Don’t enter me because I’ll be getting my Kindle copy today (I didn’t know it was already out in the UK… yes, really well-researched post there – sigh).
Diana replies:
February 6th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Hey, Li! I’m really sorry I missed your post. But thank you for posting!
February 6th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
[...] See the rest here: Diana Peterfreund Blog | Internet Kerfuffles and Follow Up (with … [...]
February 6th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
That is great to know how things changed. I remember that kerfluffle and I wondered what had happened. I will have to check it out.
February 6th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
I’ve reblogged a post about this on my tumblr. It’s ridiculous that after all that kerfluffle that ACTUALLY CHANGED SOMETHING, nobody even noted the change.
While I would love to win this anthology, I think I’ll be looking into it on Amazon if I don’t.
February 6th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
[...] Diana Peterfreund makes a good point about other reasons why this anthology should be standing out from the crowd (apart from the excellent line-up, of course ). Some of you may remember the uproar last year [...]
February 6th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
I think it’s pretty sad that the people who cry bloody murder when LGBT stories get denied, never buy a single LGBT book themselves. After the kerfuffle was over, the anthology didn’t get any attention any more. Oh well. Nothing to do about that.
Except for showing support and buying this great looking anthology & review it on my blog!
February 6th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
I do protest over discrimination AND do everything I can to promote/support those discriminated against whenever possible (in terms of books, this includes buying/checking out books by authors of color/LGBT literature, or donating money to causes like Dan Savage’s It Gets Better campaign and youth reading programs). I don’t have a problem with people protesting, as long as it’s backed up with knowledge of the discussion and follow up action. You talk the talk? Then walk the walk.
February 6th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
I would absolutely love to win a copy of Brave New Love. I think it’s wonderful that the anthology changed the way it did, and would love to read some great dystopia, particularly those featuring same-sex couples.
February 6th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I remember hearing about the kerfuffle when it happened, and I really wanna read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 6th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
I also never knew that anthology got picked up with a new author and title. This is a good reminder to be more aware of what’s going on on the internet and to follow it all the way down!
And, y’know, maybe I’ll win a book out of it.
February 6th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
BRAVE NEW LOVE has remained on my wishlist, but it’s not the least expensive book of my wishlist, so I haven’t purchased it yet. (Budgetting, you know.) I did include it in my February Releases post, though. So I’ve at least tried to bring it to people’s attention without shoving it down anyone’s throat
February 6th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Wow, thank you so so much for this amazing opportunity for a chance to win! Best of luck to all who enter.
Brave New Love looks like an AMAZING book; I absolutely can’t wait to read it! The cover is also so gorgeous, and will be a fabulous addition to any bookshelf. Ever since I heard of it, I have been so eager to read this book; it seems so unique and alluring, I already know I’ll love it. It would be the biggest honor ever to win, so fingers are crossed! Thanks again for being so generous, and I hope the books find two great homes.
February 6th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Oh, I had no idea that your anthology was involved in the WICKED PRETTY THINGS debacle, and I followed the whole thing pretty closely. I actually would have loved to review this one for the Intergalactic Academy but I’m still (tentatively) reaching out to publicists since we’re a relatively new site and so this slipped passed my radar. Would be happy to enter, but you don’t happen to have a publicist’s contact info for someone I could get in touch with about it, would you?
February 6th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Wow, I’ve been missing out on a lot of controversy! But I’ll skip the righteous indignation and get to the reading!
February 6th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! The anthology sounds awesome b/c I love the dystopian genre.
I remember that incident last year about the same sex story and authors dropping out. I actually bought that author’s story when she released it b/c I love the author’s books
February 6th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
I think I have missed out on most of this discussion… but I did enjoy reading the above message – very informative.
thanks for having such a great give away the cover looks beautiful.
February 6th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Glad to know the book has gone ahead, with all (or possibly even more?) awesomeness intact. Can’t wait to read it!
February 6th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Whoa, this anthology looks fantastic! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Hmm, my birthday is coming up…
February 6th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
i love dystopian stories!! this anthology sounds great.
February 6th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
God, I definitely want a copy. Book Depository here I come!
February 6th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
That is… really incredibly frustrating. BUT! I saw your article linked on Tumblr, and have reblogged it so others, too, can drool over this AWESOME looking new anthology. Even if I don’t win it, you can bet your kerfuffles I’m gonna be buying it at some point.
February 6th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Thank you for talking about this. I didn’t know about the initial debate, but I’m glad that it made a difference. I will gladly buy a copy of the book on my own.
Incidentally, I didn’t know you had a blog, I followed a link through Tumblr, but I love your books. Just another incentive for me for purchasing this book.
February 6th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
February 6th, 2012 at 11:04 pm
I had not heard of either kerfuffle, nor had I heard of Brave New Love. So in the event I do not win this, I will be buying it.
I will be saving this list of authors.
I might be buying a few MORE copies of BNL for friends and family who’d appreciate it.
I’m definitely posting this to my tumblr to spread the word some more!
February 6th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
I’m happy to know about this, but your central point about outrage and follow-up is way off the mark. When someone fucks up so profoundly, is everyone who signal boosts or comments under an obligation to watch to see what the fucker-up does in the future in case they clean up their act? Do you know how prohibitive and onerous it would be if we were only allowed to register disapproval in cases where we have the wherewithal to keep an eye on the situation until it improves (or indefinitely, I suppose, in the likely case that nothing comes of it)?
Here’s all you have to do to get attention for your good works, “We’re doing this. I think it’s kind of awesome. Signal boost if you agree, please?”
All this casting aspersions on the motives and actionso f others… not necessary. Not helpful. Not cool.
Diana replies:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:32 am
Let me see if I follow your logic, AE. I’m “not helpful” because I have pointed out than in the midst of everyone’s hurry to get outraged on the internet, they have missed crucial data points and misrepresented the situation, and I have shared some of the crucial data points they have missed. That is neither helpful nor necessary?
Furthermore, you suggest that to do otherwise — i.e., to actually get the information CORRECT before one organizes misinformed and misdirected boycotts, etc. — would be too onerous and prohibitive? Better to just pass on any old information you want, damn accuracy, couch it all in cutesy Firefly phraseology and let everything sort itself out later? Or not? That would be better?
And finally, that it is not cool, or helpful (I’m certainly with you on “not necessary!”) to give away a copy of a book? Free? With money from my own pocket?
Wow, learn something new every day.
Alexandra Erin replies:
February 8th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
If your problem is people being indignant and misconstruing situations, what’s good for the commenter is good for the blogger. My post began with “I am happy to hear about this”… do I have to spell out that I’m referring to the good, positive parts of the post there? But then I address your theme of outrage, which I think takes away from it. I mean, typo aside, the line
“All this casting aspersions on the motives and actionso f others… not necessary. Not helpful. Not cool.” seems pretty clear. I say what’s not necessary, helpful, or cool. The stuff that’s not about outrage? I’m happy to know about! Is that really so hard to follow?
Anyway, this wasn’t a case where outrage only happened in the first place because people ignored extant information, was it? It was a reaction to the state of affairs as they existed at the time.So now things have changed… new information exists. You have the opportunity to disseminate that information.
That’s great!
But you’ve chosen to do so in part in a negative, finger-wagging way.
That’s less great.
Every time you make a blog post full of good news, a lot of people are going to be seeing it for the first time. I don’t see the the point of saying WHY AREN’T YOU PEOPLE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT THIS? while informing us.
(Also, it doesn’t seem like anybody who stumbled across or even went looking for Brave New Love would necessary see the positive steps taken… the publisher promotion doesn’t seem to mention the queer content at all. That’s not an attack on you! I think you have the right idea in promoting it personally and making sure that everybody knows the score. It’s the idea that we were supposed to somehow know the score before being told that has left me confused as to your goals.)
February 6th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
I had no idea that all of this was going on! Thanks for bringing it to light!
And I would love to win a copy of Brave New Love!
February 7th, 2012 at 12:05 am
You’re right, I hadn’t even heard about the new anthology.
February 7th, 2012 at 12:19 am
Yay! Giveaway!
I confess to being a little tired of internet kerfuffles, especially because I’m so out of the loop that by the time I hear about them, they’re over. Blech.
February 7th, 2012 at 6:11 am
It’s good to hear there was a positive outcome to this.
February 7th, 2012 at 7:14 am
I am thrilled this exists. I’ll be blogging about it in excitement.
February 7th, 2012 at 9:33 am
Haven’t heard of this before, but if I don’t get it here, I’ll def buy it.
February 7th, 2012 at 9:44 am
This is exciting! And thanks for running the giveaway! Definitely on my To Read list.
February 7th, 2012 at 10:02 am
[...] you for all your comments on yesterday’s post, and hello to anyone who has found this site through the quote that’s been tumbling around on [...]
February 7th, 2012 at 10:05 am
I liked the sound of Brave New Love just because of it being dystopian, but knowing about the LGBT-friendly stories included makes it even more attractive.
As for the rest, unfortunately negative things always get more attention and coverage than positive ones. It does always bug me how the finer details get lost, though, and people start making outraged assumptions without having all the facts.
I think there’s some benefit to people not being able to discriminate quietly, but there’s equal or more benefit in supporting the attitudes we do want to see, rather than just beating up on the attitudes we don’t.
February 7th, 2012 at 10:39 am
I have this anthology on my wishlist (how could I not?) and am glad the kerfuffle has a happy ending.
February 7th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Great post.
It made me feel guilty (not in a bad way, you understand. guilty is just default – i was raised baptist). Guilty, because I never shop for books in person these days. Thus I haven’t seen the anthology in stores, and as you mention, it hasn’t been in the blog world. I was completely unaware that it existed. I feel terrible. I LIKE anthologies, because I like short stories. And yet I usually wait for them to come to me, instead of searching for them. I’m going to check this out. Thanks for brining it to our attention.
February 7th, 2012 at 11:19 am
I would love a copy. LGBT stories helped me so much as a YA and I have just theperson to give it to.
February 7th, 2012 at 11:39 am
I am going to have to hunt those books down and read them.
February 7th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
I would love to win a copy. But if I don’t win, I plan to buy this book. What a great way to help!
February 7th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I would love a copy of this book–it looks great!
February 7th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Diana, I think you make a good point about follow-up… and even suggest follow-through. I agree that sometimes people get fired up about things and take action so fast without considering a longer-term solution to issues that arise. I’m glad that you’ve pointed out different ways we can help and show support for the LGBT community and LGBT romance. Thank you for mentioning the anthology. I hope to win it, and if not, I will be sure to buy it and be comforted with the knowledge that my purchase helps in some small way. Thank you.
February 7th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Thank you for this wonderful post.
I’m looking forward to reading “Brave New Love”.
February 8th, 2012 at 9:35 am
Terrific post. I can’t say how great it is to see authors sticking up for each other’s work and in support of the LGBT community. Looking forward to both your releases this year.
February 8th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
I had heard about this when it went down and I am so glad that you wrote a post about it! I had heard of the anthology and have been desperately hoping for a copy. Thanks for such an excellent post and fantastic giveaway!
February 8th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold out on buying this to find out if I’ve won because it looks really good
February 8th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
I had heard about the book and the hubbub. I heard about the change as well and it’s been on my to-read list on goodreads. I just didn’t know it was out yet I thought it was going to be published on the Feb 14th of this year. Even amazon had that date on it. But nope it’s already out! If I don’t win I’ll still buy it
February 8th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Ooooh, two books! And I love short story anthologies. And dystopians! IT IS MEANT TO BE.
Anwyay, this is an interesting blog post… it feels a bit hypocritical when people uproar about something on the internet and then don’t follow through when actually works!
February 8th, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Thanks for the great post and for the giveaway! Very excited about “Brave New Love”.
February 9th, 2012 at 7:22 am
[...] to the new Galactic Suburbia podcast today, I was alerted to this post by Diana Peterfreund which makes some very valid points about how internet controversies play out. [...]
February 9th, 2012 at 8:30 am
Thank you for posting this.
Alas, I have not heard a peep on the Inter-tubes about BNL or my story in the book, which happens to be very gay. Paula was very kind to invite me to submit such a tale.
February 9th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
[...] further kerfluffles in the writing world, Diana Peterfreund demystifies the RWA ban of LGBT stories in their writing contest, while Melissa Foster tackles the often virulent conflict between indie and traditional authors by [...]
February 9th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
[...] Peterfreund: following up on Brave New Love [and how the internet often fails to pick up the pieces after a controversy has died [...]
February 10th, 2012 at 2:08 am
i am always behind on the internet, but i am with you about the follow through. it reminds me of everything that happened/has been happening with the komen foundation and planned parenthood, that group one million moms and jc penny . . . it’s easy to be outraged. it’s harder to follow through (this is true of any kerfluffle, internet or not).
i work at my county’s local SPCA and we are not a “no kill” shelter. we are a humane euthanasia shelter. it is much easier to sit back and say, “you should never put an animal down ever!” than to come to the shelters and work with the animals to help make them more adoptable, or be the person that has to make the decisions. trust me, we don’t make them lightly. but the latest kerfluffles with the kansas humane society and the shelter in tuscon, arizona, had everyone up in arms and yelling and i want to say, are you fostering? are you donating? are your pets spayed and neutered? are you a responsible pet owner? did you buy your last pet? etc. etc.
it’s harder to step up and follow through. but it’s what we should do, and thanks for pointing that out, diana. if change is going to continue to happen, we have to support the results and the times things are corrected/made better.
::scampers off to make sure the anthology is in to-read stack::
February 10th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
I hadn’t heard of this kerfluffle, but this seems to be the very nature of Internet outrage – freak out one day, then go about your life the next day and don’t worry about it again. I think it’s wonderful that there are LGBT YA stories getting published out there – that’s an age where a lot of LGBT youth are really struggling with what they feel, and it’s fantastic that they can explore those feelings in a safe way from behind a book instead of having to venture into the adult LGBT world and see what fits.