New LGBTQ Novel to Feature Local Transgender Artist's Work
Submitted by: Narrow Path Publishing
2010-08-22 00:00:09
Raleigh, NC (OPENPRESS) August 22, 2010 -- Narrow Path Publishing announced earlier today that its latest offering, Shades of Gay, will feature the cover art of local artist D Gavi Chayim. Chayim, who is Transgender and living openly as a woman, will also contribute an afterword to the novel about her previous struggle with suicide.
Chayim was chosen to do the cover "both because of her experience with the subject matter and the quality of her previous work," according to Stephanie Silberstein, the writer of Shades of Gay and owner of Narrow Path Publishing. Chayim designed the cover for Silberstein's debut novel, Winter's Silence, in 2008.
Chayim did not reveal any details of what the final cover will look like, but she said that "as soon as the painting for the cover is complete it will be posted online and the finished product is to follow."
Shades of Gay features a gay teenager dealing with coming out and having his first relationship during his senior year of high school. The book addresses serious issues LGBTQ teens face such as bullying, prejudice from teachers and administrators, and suicidal thoughts. Chayim's afterword will address readers directly and encourage them to keep being themselves despite these issues.
"A spirit is given no true gender. It is up to us to discover who we are, not be confined to what the world says we are," Chayim says. "Self discovery and acceptance in the last few years has been one of the most important things to me. It has saved my life. I hope mine and Stephanie's art and words will be a positive contribution to Tikkun Olam, Healing the World, so that all the LGBTQ community may have hope."
The novel is expected to be released in the early fall. It will be available on Amazon. Ten percent of profits will go to the Trevor Project, a non-profit agency that offers a suicide hotline and other resources for LGBTQ youth who are contemplating suicide.
CONTACT:
Stephanie Silberstein
105 E McIver Street #G
Angier, NC 27501
919-710-0473
stephanie@narrowpathpublishing.net
