Hate Mail, Death Threats, and Kids’ Books: Greg Howard on Why Representation Still Matters

Book bans are back, and children's author Greg Howard is fighting to give queer kids something most gay men over 40 never got: proof, on the page, that they weren't alone. Greg writes YA and middle grade fiction confronting grief, identity, and found family, work that's earned him hate mail and death threats alongside letters from readers who call him the first person they ever came out to.

He walked away from a thriving prior career to do it, and he won't back down from the political pressure trying to erase that work. If you spent your own childhood without a single story that reflected who you actually were, this episode is about what that cost you, and what you can still do about it now.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why waiting to feel safe to pursue your passion leads you to miss out on living.
• Learn the surprising common need for safe gay spaces for both youth and aging gay men.
• Realize the positive impact walking away from a career that pays can have, you and the world.
• Understand why standing your ground against people trying to erase you is still the right fight.
• See why gay life in a story, a room, a community, isn't optional. It's necessary to be human.

About Greg

Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion for writing stories.

Greg’s critically acclaimed debut middle-grade novel, The Whispers, was nominated for an Edgar Award and was named a Best Book of 2019 by Advocate Magazine. His second middle-grade novel, Middle School’s a Drag, You Better Werk! is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick. His third middle-grade novel, The Visitors, was a 2022 New York Public Library Best Book. Also the author of the young adult novel Social Intercourse, Greg’s newest middle-grade book, The Travelers, a twisty time-travel adventure, is available now. Greg writes for and about LGBTQ youth, creating the kind of books he wishes he’d had access to as a young reader growing up gay in the American South. When he’s not writing books, Greg enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends. He lives in Nashville with his ridiculously adorable Mini Aussiedoodle, Sadie. Connect With Eric Website Get Gregs Books Instagram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community