From a prefatory essay by Niigaan Sinclair:

"[T]hese stories use science—one of the most powerful discourses that have been used to 'civilize' Indigenous communities—and fiction—the other tool that has been used to misrepresent and mutate our lives—and re-makes them."

This is a short but powerful collection. SF used as a tool for Indigenous LGBTQ2 folk to imagine a world as it could be, to dream up new ways to redefine and empower themselves, to create an identity and a culture free from—or healing from—their history of oppression and violence. It's a remarkable experience to see the genre used this way. For anyone not Indigenous, not LGBTQ2, this work can change and expand your perspective.

This is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable collection of LGBTQ2S fantasy and science fiction written by some incredible Indigenous authors. I loved the characters, I loved their stories, and my only complaint is that I was left wanting MORE - isn't that always the way with great short stories? I hope a second volume is in the works! Bonus points for the highly informative introduction by James Sinclair.

There were so, so many beautiful and articulate voices, how can I describe them all to you? Reading this collection felt like looking up at the stars. An ocean of little lights, and I wanted to read them all.

The best part about this collection (apart from the idea that a young, LGTBIQA Two-Spirit person might read this and recognise themselves in a way they can feel to the marrow of their bones) is the fact that I now have an army of First Nations authors to recommend people.

Now, if someone could pluck a second volume from thin air, that would be perfect. ❤