In the wake of Orlando’s tragedy, I’m terrified that we will forget there is something writers can do. Here, Henry Lien expresses his intent much better than I ever could.

Here’s something I can do in the aftermath of Orlando. I’m a children’s author. I’m also a gay person of color. I’m always going to include LGBT characters and people of color in my books. I’m going to ally myself with enlightened gatekeepers like my agent at ICM Tina Dubois Wexler and my editor at Razorbill/Penguin Random House Tiffany Liao, who support me in this. I’m going to work even harder and push myself to write the best books I possibly can in order to get my work to the widest audience possible. I will remain visible to people who want me to be invisible and who rage because history is rightfully leaving them behind. YOU CAN’T STOP THE FUTURE, YOU CAN ONLY DECIDE IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PART OF IT.

Love,

Henry

Reposted with permission.