// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy did "Being Ace" go to therapy? It had an ace up its sleeve.
| Editor | Madeline Dyer |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Page Street Kids |
| Publication date | October 10, 2023 |
| ISBN | 978-1645679561 |
Being Ace: An Anthology of Queer, Trans, Femme, and Disabled Stories of Asexual Love and Connection is a 2023 short story anthology edited by Madeline Dyer. It features fourteen stories with asexual protagonists.
Stories
[edit]- How to Love a Sidewinder by Kat Yuen
- Across the Stars by Akemi Dawn Bowman
- Well Suited by Rosiee Thor
- Nylon Bed Socks by Madeline Dyer
- Give up the Ghost by Linsey Miller
- No Such Thing As Just by K. Hart
- Smells Like Teen Virgin by S.E. Anderson
- Sealights by Emily Victoria
- Moonspirited by Anju Imura
- The Third Star by RoAnna Sylver
- The Mermaid’s Sister by Moniza Hossain
- The Hazards of Pressing Play by Lara Ameen
- No Cure for Doubt by Jas Brown
- The Witch of Fest Falls by S. J. Taylor
The book includes an introduction by Cody Daigle-Orians.[1]
Reception
[edit]Kirkus Reviews was mixed on the collection as a whole, stating that "some [stories] are immensely satisfying, others feel noticeably underdeveloped and rushed," but positively noted the diverse representation in the book, commenting on the depictions of asexual characters with varying racial backgrounds, disabilities, and intersectional LGBTQ identities, including several aromantic characters.[2] They concluded that "asexual readers hungry for representation will find some outstanding pieces to dig into."[2]
The book received a starred review from Alec Chunn of School Library Journal, who said the anthology's "narratives are ultimately affirming even when situations are difficult" and gave particular attention to the presence of a character who uses a power wheelchair.[3]
Being Ace was a finalist for the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for Anthology at the 36th Lambda Literary Awards.[4][1]
Sequel
[edit]In 2026, a follow-up focused on aromanticism titled Being Aro: A Collection of Aromantic Fiction about Love, Connection, and Empowerment was published, edited by Dyer and Rosiee Thor.[5][6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Lewis, L. D. (2024-03-27). "Announcing the Finalists for the 36th Annual Lammy Awards". Lambda Literary. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- 1 2 BEING ACE | Kirkus Reviews.
- ↑ Chunn, Alec. "Being Ace: An Anthology of Queer, Trans, Femme, and Disabled Stories of Asexual Love and Connection". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Lewis, L. D. (2024-06-12). "Announcing the Winners of the 2024 Lammy Awards". Lambda Literary. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ BEING ARO | Kirkus Reviews.
- ↑ "Being Aro: A Collection of Aromantic Fiction About Love, Connection, and Empowerment by Rosiee Thor, Madeline Dyer". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2026-09-29.