WPS Author Interview Day 21: Dakota Jackson
Welcome to day 21 of the Wonderland Pride Spotlight author interviews! Today I am interviewing Dakota Jackson. To see all of the spotlight posts created by my lovely community, head over to the hashtag #wonderlandpridespotlight over on Instagram!
Dakota's Books
1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?
"Yes, I am bisexual! As is my husband 🙂"
2. What books of yours have LGBTQ+ representation, and what rep do they have?
"The Other Side of the Looking-Glass has a queer-questioning (ultimately queer unlabeled) protagonist and a fellow queer questioning best friend side character (ultimately lesbian). The Construction of Shadows has queer main characters (both are unlabeled in the first book, but there are heavy hints, and they then come to terms with labels and such to end up together (F/F) in later books). There are also gay, transgender, and nonbinary side characters."
3. Why do you think LGBTQ+ rep in books is important?
"It's so important for people to see themselves represented in media, especially when their identities are at risk in so many places. To fight back against discrimination and make us seen, LGBTQIA+ rep is a complete necessity. We have always been here and will always be here, so this needs to be reflected in media. It could very well change or save someone's life, as well."
4. What got you into writing?
"I've been writing ever since I was a kid. It was an escape for me to create these fictional worlds where I could explore ideas and identities. Over time, I stayed invested in writing due to the inspiration of other writers and media. It's my mission to share stories and identities like my own to show that fear, confronted head-on, can give way to hope."
5. Who is a queer figure you look up to?
"Oh, this is such a great question. James Baldwin is the first person who comes to mind. Giovanni's Room is one of my favorite novels of all time, and it was so groundbreaking when it was published for openly exploring homosexuality. I think he was brilliant in and out of being an author, and his influence resonates to this day."
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