Picture a hijab-clad storyteller who turned her life’s quirks into laugh-out-loud comics—meet Huda Fahmy! This Detroit-born Muslim American author and illustrator has taken the graphic novel world by storm, blending humor and heart to share her experiences as a hijab-wearing woman. With a knack for tackling stereotypes with wit, Fahmy’s work invites readers into her world, where cultural identity meets universal truths.
From her viral webcomic to award-nominated graphic novels, Fahmy’s storytelling is as relatable as it is revolutionary. Her journey from classroom teacher to celebrated creator is a testament to the power of owning your narrative. Ready to dive into her colorful, pun-tastic world? Let’s explore!
The Making of Huda Fahmy
Born around 1985 in Detroit, Michigan, Huda Fahmy grew up in Dearborn, a town with a vibrant Muslim community. The daughter of Egyptian and Syrian immigrants, she was steeped in Arabic at home but fell in love with English through Sunday comic strips. After earning an English degree from the University of Michigan–Dearborn in 2006, Fahmy taught middle and high school English for eight years. Her passion for comics simmered quietly until 2016, when she left teaching to raise her son. Prompted by her older sister, Fahmy began channeling her experiences as a visibly Muslim woman into comics, launching her career with a blog that soon became the webcomic Yes, I’m Hot in This.
Huda Fahmy’s Unforgettable Stories
Fahmy’s debut, Yes, I’m Hot in This: The Hilarious Truth about Life in a Hijab (2018), is a collection of comics that tackle everything from nosy questions about her hijab to microaggressions with sharp humor. Its playful title, born from strangers asking if she’s hot under her headscarf, sets the tone for her unapologetic style. In 2020, That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story offered a witty take on her journey to marrying her husband, Gehad, debunking myths about arranged marriages while celebrating love and tradition.
For younger readers, Fahmy created Huda F Are You? (2021), a semi-autobiographical graphic novel about a teen navigating identity in Dearborn’s Muslim community. Its sequel, Huda F Cares? (2023), a National Book Award finalist, follows Huda on a chaotic family trip to Disney World, blending sisterhood and self-consciousness with laugh-out-loud moments. Fahmy’s art—simple yet expressive—pairs perfectly with her storytelling, which balances humor, cultural insight, and universal themes like belonging and self-discovery.
Her work stands out for its authenticity and accessibility. Whether she’s poking fun at Islamophobia or exploring family dynamics, Fahmy’s comics resonate with readers of all backgrounds, making her a unique voice in graphic novels.
Why Huda Fahmy Matters
Huda Fahmy’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the Muslim American experience through humor. By sharing her story, she challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy, creating space for underrepresented voices in comics. Her work has inspired countless readers, particularly young Muslim women, to embrace their identities unapologetically. With over 200,000 Instagram followers and critical acclaim, Fahmy’s influence continues to grow, proving that laughter can be a powerful tool for change.
- Born: c. 1985, Detroit, Michigan
- Key Works: Yes, I’m Hot in This (2018), That Can Be Arranged (2020), Huda F Are You? (2021), Huda F Cares? (2023)
- Awards: Huda F Cares? finalist for 2023 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
Snag Huda F Are You? or Yes, I’m Hot in This and dive into Huda Fahmy’s hilarious, heartfelt world of graphic novels!