This week we’re hitting the books with author and illustrator Mike Curato to discuss Gaysians, his debut adult graphic novel, about a queer Asian friend group becoming a chosen family in 2003 Seattle. 

Plus, Mike fills us in on authentic queer Asian representation, building coalitions during challenging times, and how his time in Seattle shaped the “Boy Luck Club.

So, push this book to the front of your TBR pile because Mike Curato is coming to the city. He'll be at Queer/Bar in Seattle on June 17th, 2025 to talk about Gaysians with local drag queen Aleksa Manila.

And… if you need some help filling that post-reading void. Here’s Mike and Katie’s Recommended If You Liked (RIYL): Gaysians.

• The Wedding Banquet (2025)
• How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee
• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
• Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin

Other event recommendations from this week’s episode: 

• Queer Book Fair at Charlie's Queer Books in Fremont on June 14-15, 2025
• Octavia E. Butler Birthday Bash on June 22, 2025
• Twelfth Night – ACT Contemporary Theatre from June 7 – 22, 2025