BOOK
CulturePrince Edward Island
Date2023
Dimensions19.2 x 14 cm (7 9/16 x 5 1/2 in.)
Object numberHF.2024.2.1-.2
DescriptionSoft-covered rectangular book (.1) containing short stories, and poems written by various authors. Titled, "Are We Friends Now?", the front cover's background is a street level view of a brick wall with two windows, separated by a drainpipe. The left window has a cat sitting between two cacti. The right window has a full window planter with a flowing rainbow flag. Through the window, three silhouettes facing a yellow screen can be seen. The title of the book, "Are We Friends Now? An Anthology by and about 2SLGBTQ+ youth from PEI" is printed in white. The back cover's background is the brick wall of the back of the building showing some graffiti. A chair and a garbage can sit in front of the wall. The central box has information about the book. Several authors autographed their respective contributions inside the book. An associated paper bookmark (.2) features the cat in the window, through which a framed depiction of moon phases in rainbow colours and the phrase "Not a Phase" can be seen. The reverse has a rainbow border at the top and bottom. In between is text which reads, "Are We Friends Now? is a dynamic and exhilarating collection of writing from LGBTQ+ youth and allies from around PEI!" Logos for PEERS Alliance, PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being and PEI Writers' Guild sit below. Narrative
This book marks the first-ever collection of writings by queer youth from PEI. The publication was a product of the Queer Youth Writing Club, a program run by PEI Writers' Guild and PEERS Alliance. The club provided a safe space for members to express themselves freely. A book launch took place during Pride Week 2023.
