Picture a small-town dreamer who spun stories of love and identity into Young Adult gold—meet Phil Stamper! This Ohio-born author has carved a vibrant space in LGBTQ+ fiction with heartfelt tales like The Gravity of Us. His knack for weaving authentic queer experiences with universal themes of belonging has made him a beloved voice for teens and beyond.
Now living in New York City, Stamper’s journey from rural roots to literary stardom is as inspiring as his novels. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this trailblazing storyteller who’s redefining what it means to grow up queer in today’s world.
The Making of Phil Stamper
Growing up in rural Ohio in the early 2000s, Phil Stamper faced a world with little queer representation in literature. As a teen, he couldn’t stroll into a bookstore and find shelves brimming with LGBTQ+ Young Adult novels—a gap that would later fuel his passion. Inspired by classic YA like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, he began crafting stories, even dabbling in Zelda fan fiction at 14. After studying music and English in college, Stamper moved to New York City, where he now works in author development for a major publisher, nurturing the next generation of writers.
His early career wasn’t all smooth sailing. Stamper faced the challenge of breaking into a publishing world that was only beginning to embrace diverse voices. Yet, his persistence paid off, leading to a debut that would launch him into the spotlight and resonate with readers craving authentic queer stories.
Phil Stamper’s Unforgettable Stories
Stamper’s debut, The Gravity of Us (2020), is a standout, blending romance, family dynamics, and a NASA mission to Mars. The story follows Cal, a teen journalist, as he navigates media chaos and a blossoming romance with Leon, another astronaut’s son. Praised for its natural depiction of a queer relationship, it earned a South Carolina Young Adult Book Award nomination and a 3.6/5 rating from over 125,000 Goodreads reviews.
His follow-up, As Far As You’ll Take Me (2021), takes readers on a globe-trotting journey with Marty, a gay teen from Kentucky exploring love and identity in London. This poignant coming-of-age tale tackles heavier themes like anxiety and religious bigotry, yet leaves readers hopeful. Small Town Pride (2022), Stamper’s middle-grade debut, follows 13-year-old Jake as he organizes a pride event in his conservative town, earning praise for its warmth and nuance. The Golden Boys duology (2022) rounds out his portfolio, offering a rom-com vibe with four queer teens navigating friendship and summer adventures.
Stamper’s style is approachable yet profound, blending humor, heart, and social commentary. His stories shine a light on queer joy and struggle, set against vivid backdrops like NASA missions or small-town America, making them resonate with readers of all ages.
Why Phil Stamper Matters
Phil Stamper’s impact on Young Adult literature is undeniable. At a time when LGBTQ+ books face bans—4,240 titles were targeted in 2023, per the American Library Association—his work offers a beacon of hope. By centering queer teens in stories of love, friendship, and self-discovery, he’s helping redefine mainstream YA fiction. Sales of LGBTQ+ YA books surged by 1.3 million units in 2021, with authors like Stamper leading the charge.
His stories don’t just entertain; they validate. For queer youth in rural areas or conservative communities, Stamper’s books are a lifeline, showing them they belong. His advocacy for diverse representation, both as an author and publishing professional, ensures that future generations will have the stories he lacked growing up.
- Born in rural Ohio, now lives in New York City with his husband and dog.
- Key works: The Gravity of Us (2020), As Far As You’ll Take Me (2021), Small Town Pride (2022), Golden Boys (2022).
- Works in author development for a major publisher.
- The Gravity of Us nominated for Goodreads Best Young Adult Fiction (2020).
About Phil Stamper
Ready to fall in love with Phil Stamper’s heartfelt storytelling? Grab The Gravity of Us or Small Town Pride and dive into his vibrant world of queer joy and discovery!