What Black Queer Romance Means to Me
Hey y’all, it’s Samra.
This Pride Month started off on a high for me—I had the honor of moderating the Pride & Passion: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Love Stories panel at the Black Romance Book Festival. Sitting in that room, surrounded by Black queer authors and readers, was one of those rare moments where you can feel the love, the community, and the power of stories in the air.
Now that June is wrapping up, I’ve been reflecting on that day, the joy it brought me, and how important it is that we keep these conversations going—because Black queer stories deserve to be centered, celebrated, and supported all year long. That’s what we mean when we say #Pride365.
What Black Queer Romance Means to Me
If you’ve listened to the pod, you know I’ve been on a journey of reconnecting with reading as an adult, and recently, that’s included diving into Black queer romance. And let me tell you, it has changed me.
Reading stories that center Black queer joy, love, softness, and exploration has given me space to keep exploring myself and my own identity. It’s shown me that seeing yourself represented in print isn’t just comforting—it’s necessary. Everyone deserves to feel seen, to feel worthy of love and tenderness, and to find themselves in stories that remind them of who they are and who they’re becoming.
Black queer romance matters because it exists. Period.
At She Well Read, we’ve always said that being well-read isn’t just about the books you read, but how those stories help you discover and celebrate every part of yourself. Reading these stories is a reminder that Black queer people deserve softness, joy, and the spotlight—not just in June, but always.
The Authors Who Made This Month Special
Moderating the Pride & Passion panel was a highlight of my year so far. I left feeling inspired, seen, and full of gratitude for these authors who are out here doing the work, writing stories that make space for Black queer love in all its forms.
Here’s a little love for each of them:
💖 Meka James
Writes sapphic romance that feels like a warm hug and a late-night phone call with your best friend. Meka’s stories are full of heart and heat, reminding us that queer joy is a story worth telling.
Books: Love and Sportsball
💖 Claire Kann
Claire’s books center asexual Black girls, tender moments, and queer love that feels authentic and true.
Books: The Romantic Agenda
💖 Aria Daze
Aria’s stories are cozy, sweet, and full of characters you want to root for. She creates worlds where queer Black girls can just be.
Books: One For The Team: A Happy Holiday Short
💖 Frederick Smith
Frederick’s writing explores Black gay love with nuance and care, making space for characters to be fully themselves.
Books: One and Done
💖 Karmen Lee
Karmen’s stories are flirty, joyful, and unapologetically queer, reminding us that romance can be a form of freedom.
Books: The Relationship Mechanic
Keep the Celebration Going: #Pride365 Playlist
Pride Month might be ending, but these stories and conversations are forever. We put together a #Pride365 playlist with episodes from She Well Read that celebrate queer joy, identity, and community year-round.
If you need a place to start, these episodes will remind you that Black queer stories deserve to be heard, shared, and loved on every day.
What Does Black Queer Romance Mean to You?
As we close out Pride Month, I’m grateful to the authors who shared space with us, the readers who keep showing up, and our Well Read Baddie community for creating space for these stories to matter.
I’d love to hear from you:
✨ What does Black queer romance mean to you?
✨ Which stories have made you feel seen?
✨ Who are your favorite Black queer authors?
Drop a comment below or tag us @shewellread to share your reflections, and let’s keep celebrating Black queer love together.
Until next time,
Samra
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Because being well-read is more than just books—it’s a lifestyle, and you deserve to be part of it.
