Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned a vibrant, struggling neighborhood into a literary masterpiece—meet Catherine Hernandez! A proud queer woman of color with Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian heritage, Hernandez weaves tales that amplify marginalized voices. Her debut novel, Scarborough, captured hearts and awards, establishing her as a vital voice in contemporary literature with a knack for challenging norms and celebrating diversity.
As a radical mom, playwright, and artistic director of b current Performing Arts, Hernandez brings authenticity and passion to every story. Her work spans novels, plays, and children’s books, each infused with a commitment to representation and social justice. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this trailblazing author!
The Making of Catherine Hernandez
Growing up in Scarborough, Ontario, Catherine Hernandez was shaped by the cultural mosaic of her surroundings. With a mixed heritage and a connection to the Navajo Nation through marriage, she embraced her identity as a queer woman of color early on. Her love for storytelling bloomed in theater, where she honed her craft as a playwright and performer. After graduating from theater school, Hernandez faced the challenge of roles that didn’t reflect her reality, fueling her drive to write authentic stories. She juggled roles as a daycare provider and theater practitioner, eventually channeling her experiences into her groundbreaking novel, Scarborough.
Catherine Hernandez’s Unforgettable Stories
Hernandez’s writing is a vibrant tapestry of resilience, identity, and community. Her debut, Scarborough (2017), is a multi-voiced novel that paints a raw, heartfelt portrait of a low-income Toronto neighborhood. It won the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award and was a finalist for multiple honors, including the Toronto Book Awards and Canada Reads 2022. The story’s impact extended to the screen, with Hernandez penning the screenplay for its award-winning 2021 film adaptation, earning her a Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Her second novel, Crosshairs (2020), is a dystopian tale of resistance against oppression, blending queer and racialized perspectives. It landed on CBC’s Best Canadian Fiction list and was praised for its bold commentary. The Story of Us (2023) explores the tender bond between a caregiver and her client, earning a spot as a national bestseller. Hernandez also shines in children’s literature with M Is for Mustache: A Pride ABC Book, a colorful celebration of queer identity. Her plays, like Singkil and The Femme Playlist, tackle themes of heritage and self-discovery with wit and grace.
Her style is unflinchingly honest, blending humor, heartache, and hope. Hernandez centers marginalized voices—Filipino, Indigenous, queer, and working-class—crafting stories that resonate with readers seeking authentic representation. Her ability to weave cultural specificity with universal themes makes her work both intimate and expansive.
Why Catherine Hernandez Matters
Catherine Hernandez’s impact lies in her fearless commitment to storytelling that uplifts the overlooked. Her work challenges systemic inequities, from poverty to racism, while celebrating the beauty of diverse identities. Scarborough gave a literary voice to a community often ignored, inspiring readers and writers to embrace their own stories. Her advocacy for queer and racialized voices has reshaped Canadian literature, making it more inclusive and vibrant. As a mentor and artistic director, Hernandez nurtures emerging artists, ensuring her legacy extends beyond the page.
Her stories invite readers to see the world through new lenses, fostering empathy and understanding. In a literary landscape craving diversity, Hernandez stands as a beacon, proving that stories from the margins can resonate universally.
- Born: Scarborough, Ontario
- Key Works: Scarborough, Crosshairs, The Story of Us, M Is for Mustache
- Awards: Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award, Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
- Fun Fact: She’s married into the Navajo Nation and is a proud radical mom!
About Catherine Hernandez
Snag Scarborough or Crosshairs and dive into Catherine Hernandez’s bold, beautiful world of inclusive storytelling!