They Called Me Queer, compiled by Kim Windvogel and Kelly-Eve Koopman, left me with so much to think about. Ive never encountered a book quite like it. Ive read novels told from dual perspectives, sometimes even three or four voices, but never a compilation that brings together so many unique stories, each deeply personal and powerful. This anthology weaves together multiple voices and short stories from queer, bisexual, and diverse South Africans, each speaking from the depths of their lived experiences.
For me, it wasnt a difficult book to read in the sense of style or structure, but it was challenging in a deeper way. It was a book that taught me, stretched me, and forced me to sit with perspectives I dont usually engage with. It became a learning curve, an educational process, and most importantly, a mirror, showing me both what I understood and what I still needed to unlearn.
What stood out to me most was how relatable some of the stories were, even though I dont personally identify as LGBTQIA. One story in particular, where a woman recalled growing up as a tomboy, resonated with me. She described how her love for dressing like a boy was constantly questioned, and how it affected her sense of identity over time. Reading that, I immediately thought back to my own childhood.