Picture a surgeon by day and a storyteller by night, weaving tales that challenge norms and spark empathy—meet I.W. Gregorio! This trailblazing author brings a unique lens to young adult literature, blending medical insight with heartfelt narratives about identity and acceptance. Her debut novel, None of the Above, broke new ground in YA fiction, shining a light on intersex experiences with authenticity and grace.
As a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and a board member of interACT, Gregorio doesn’t just write stories—she champions inclusivity, making her a vital voice in literature and beyond. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore her journey!
The Making of I.W. Gregorio
Ilene Wong Gregorio grew up with a passion for storytelling, but her path to authorship took a fascinating detour through medicine. After earning her MD from Yale School of Medicine, she completed her residency at Stanford, where a pivotal encounter with an intersex patient sparked the idea for her debut novel. Balancing a demanding career as a urologist with her writing, Gregorio’s dual life reflects her commitment to both healing bodies and opening minds through fiction.
Her early love for children’s books, combined with her medical expertise, shaped her unique voice. Inspired by the lack of intersex representation in literature, she set out to craft stories that resonate with teens navigating complex identities, all while advocating for diversity in publishing.
I.W. Gregorio’s Unforgettable Stories
Gregorio’s debut, None of the Above (2015), is a landmark YA novel that follows Kristin Lattimer, a teen who discovers she’s intersex after a life-changing diagnosis. Praised for its authenticity, the book earned accolades like a Lambda Literary Award finalist spot and a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. Its sensitive exploration of gender, identity, and acceptance makes it a must-read for teens and adults alike.
Her second novel, This Is My Brain in Love (2020), shifts gears to explore mental health and cultural identity through a charming romance. The story of Jocelyn Wu and Will Domenici, two teens managing a restaurant and their own anxieties, won the 2021 Schneider Family Book Award for its nuanced portrayal of mental health. Gregorio’s writing blends humor, heart, and hard-hitting themes, making her stories both relatable and revolutionary.
Her work stands out for its medical accuracy, thanks to her surgical background, and her commitment to marginalized voices. Whether tackling intersex identity or Asian American experiences, Gregorio crafts characters who feel like friends, inviting readers to see the world through new perspectives.
Why I.W. Gregorio Matters
I.W. Gregorio’s impact extends far beyond her books. As a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, she helped spark a movement for inclusive literature, amplifying underrepresented voices in publishing. Her advocacy with interACT supports intersex youth, challenging stigma and promoting understanding. Her novels, grounded in real-world issues, offer teens mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others, fostering empathy in a divided world.
Despite facing book bans—None of the Above was targeted in Texas school districts—Gregorio remains a fearless advocate for stories that matter. Her ability to balance a surgical career with award-winning writing inspires readers and writers to pursue their passions, no matter how diverse they seem.
About I.W. Gregorio
- Born: Exact date unavailable, raised in the United States
- Key Works: None of the Above (2015), This Is My Brain in Love (2020)
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award finalist (2016), Schneider Family Book Award (2021)
- Fun Fact: A recovering ice hockey player, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children
Ready to discover I.W. Gregorio’s heartfelt stories? Snag None of the Above or This Is My Brain in Love and dive into her world of empathy, identity, and unforgettable characters!