LGBTQ+ authors announced for Young Adult Literature Convention 2025
Trans author Juno Dawson is among the LGBTQ+ writers set to appear at the convention. (Supplied)
Trans author Juno Dawson is among the LGBTQ+ writers set to appear at the convention. (Supplied)
The UK’s Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) is back this November for its 11th year and has just announced an incredible line-up of LGBTQ+ authors.
Taking place on November 15-16 at London’s Olympia as part of London Comic Con Winter, YALC brings together a fantastic range of young adult authors and book lovers, giving you the chance to hear your favourite authors speak, get your books signed and meet others from the bookish community.
This year’s line-up might just be the best yet, with over 70 authors – many of whom are LGBTQ+ and/or are telling queer stories – taking part in panels, signings and literary celebrations. So, which LGBTQ+ authors could you meet at YALC 2025? Here are a few…
Juno Dawson
Global best-selling author of This Book Is Gay and Human Rights, Juno Dawson, will be appearing at YALC on Saturday, November 15, in a discussion with Alice Oseman.
Dawson is a novelist, screenwriter and journalist, as well as an occasional actress and model. Her first trilogy, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, launched in 2022, becoming an instant best-seller and delivering stunning sapphic representation.
As well as writing, Dawson is part of a queer cabaret collective, CLUB SILENCIO, and became a School Role Model for Stonewall in 2014.
Laura Steven
Also published under L. K. Steven, Laura Steven is an New York Times, India and USA Today bestselling author from UK. Publishing adult and YA fiction, her most recent young adult novel, Our Infinite Fates, became an instant best-seller. She regularly features LGBTQ+ relationships and characters in her books.
Steven will be appearing at YALC on Sunday, November 16 in conversation with Kika Hatzopoulou and Oraine Johnson. The three will be discussing time travel in fiction and the challenges around writing alternative timelines.
Josh Silver
Josh Silver’s debut novel, HappyHead, won multiple regional awards, was shortlisted for the 2024 YA Book Prize, and was nominated for the carnegie Medal for Writing. He previously trained as an actor, going on to perform on Broadway and the West End, before changing careers. He now works with teenagers as a mental health nurse in Manchester alongside writing.
He will be appearing at YALC on Saturday, in conversation with Kenchi Udogu and Moira Buffini, discussing the reflection of today’s society in modern dystopian novels.
A.B. Poranek
Known for taking inspiration from mythology and history, A.B. Poranek’s debut novel, Where The Dark Stands Still, was an instant New York Times bestseller. Her new novel, A Treachery of Swans, is a sapphic retelling of Swan Lake, set in 17th century France.
Poranek will be appearing at YALC on Saturday November 15, where she will be discussing building monarchies within YA books.
Harry Trevaldwyn
Actor, comedian and writer Harry Trevaldwyn, will be appearing at YALC on Sunday November 16. He will be in conversation with Jennifer Nivan, Leon Egan, Sara Barnard and Tanya Byrne, discussing the challenges of writing romance.
Trevaldwyn’s initial claim to fame was writing and starring in his own skits, but he has since gone on to write and star in a huge range of projects. His debut novel was the hilarious rom-com, The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King.
Don’t forget to check out the full list of authors attending YALC 2025 and grab your tickets for your chance to meet your favourites!
