Illegal to be Gay? Arathi Menon in conversation at Queer Lit Bookshop
Schedule
Tue, 09 Jun, 2026 at 07:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Queer Lit | Manchester, EN
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We’re thrilled to welcome Arathi Menon for a special Live Q&A at Queer Lit, where she’ll be diving into the heart of her thought‑provoking new book, Da.‘A beautifully cut gem of a novel. Ved’s unforgettable voice makes this story come to life in so many funny, moving and unexpected ways.’ - Mahesh Rao, Author of 'Half Light'
This is a story of love between a father and a son.
Inquisitive 13-year-old Ved’s entire universe is his adoptive father, Da. From cooking him the perfect biryani, to helping him navigate his first school dance and his first girlfriend, Da lets Ved be himself.
Fiercely loving and fiercely protective, their relationship harbours a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay at a time when Section 377, a colonial law, makes homosexuality a crime. Beyond the law, vigilante gangs prowl the shadows, targeting those they deem ‘unnatural’ as Da and Ved’s happy existence grows ever more fragile.
Set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, Da is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept.
Arathi will be joined by Isabelle Kenyon—publisher, founder of Fly on the Wall Press, as our chair for the evening—who will guide the conversation and help unpack the rich themes woven throughout the book.
Expect an engaging and intimate discussion exploring identity, family, language, and the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic chance to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind Da, her creative process, and the personal and cultural threads that inform her work.
Whether you're a long‑time fan, a lover of queer literature, or simply curious to discover new voices, this event is for you.
Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for audience Q&A!
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
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Where is it happening?
Queer Lit, 27 Great Ancoats Street,Manchester, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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