Picture a Seattle storyteller who weaves heartfelt tales of identity and belonging—meet Ray Stoeve! This queer, nonbinary author has captured the hearts of young adult readers with their authentic, poignant novels that explore LGBT themes with grace and grit. From their debut, Between Perfect and Real, to their sapphic rom-com The Summer Love Strategy, Stoeve’s stories resonate with teens navigating the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery.
As a vital voice in contemporary YA literature, Stoeve crafts narratives that feel like a warm hug and a bold rallying cry. Their work not only entertains but also empowers, offering representation for trans and queer youth in a world that’s still learning to listen. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this Pacific Northwest gem.
The Making of Ray Stoeve
Raised in Seattle, Ray Stoeve’s love for storytelling bloomed amidst the city’s lush greenery and vibrant queer community. A queer and transgender writer, they honed their craft through a 2016–2017 Made at Hugo House Fellowship, a prestigious program that nurtured their passion for young adult fiction. Stoeve’s early years in an intentional community house in Seattle, where they cooked paprika-heavy lentil soup for chosen family, shaped their deep sense of connection and authenticity—qualities that shine in their writing.
Their creative journey wasn’t just about penning novels. Stoeve performed spoken word poetry, like their piece 'Dysphoria Days,' and engaged in drag performances, channeling their artistry into bold expressions of identity. These experiences, coupled with their work as a creative writing tutor for teens, laid the foundation for stories that feel lived-in and true.
Ray Stoeve’s Unforgettable Stories
Stoeve’s debut, Between Perfect and Real (2021), is a standout, earning a starred review and a 2021 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. The novel follows Dean, a closeted trans boy whose role as Romeo in a school play sparks his coming-out journey. With lyrical prose and raw emotion, Stoeve captures the highs and lows of trans identity, making Dean’s story a beacon for readers seeking representation.
Their follow-up, Arden Grey (2022), dives into the life of a queer teen photographer grappling with her parents’ divorce and her possible asexuality. Praised for its nuanced exploration of toxic relationships, the novel showcases Stoeve’s knack for blending heavy themes with hope. In 2024, The Summer Love Strategy brought a lighter touch—a sapphic rom-com about two best friends (one cis, one trans) who plot to find love but end up falling for each other. Stoeve also contributed a short story, 'Parker Outside the Box,' to the anthology Take The Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance, amplifying nonbinary voices.
Stoeve’s writing style is intimate and accessible, with characters who feel like friends you’d meet at a Seattle coffee shop. Their focus on queer and trans narratives, often set against the backdrop of their beloved Pacific Northwest, creates a vivid sense of place and community. Whether tackling romance, identity, or resistance, Stoeve’s stories are unflinchingly honest yet brimming with optimism.
Why Ray Stoeve Matters
Ray Stoeve’s impact extends beyond their novels. By creating the YA/MG Trans and Nonbinary Voices Masterlist, they’ve built a vital resource for readers and writers seeking authentic trans representation. This database tracks books by trans authors featuring trans characters, filling a gap in the publishing world and fostering visibility. Their work as a sensitivity reader and workshop leader further amplifies marginalized voices, making the literary landscape more inclusive.
For young readers, Stoeve’s books are a lifeline, offering mirrors for queer and trans teens and windows for others to understand diverse experiences. Their stories challenge stereotypes, celebrate resilience, and remind us that identity is a journey, not a destination. In a genre often dominated by mainstream narratives, Stoeve’s voice is a refreshing, necessary force.
- Key Works: Between Perfect and Real (2021), Arden Grey (2022), The Summer Love Strategy (2024)
- Notable Contribution: YA/MG Trans and Nonbinary Voices Masterlist
- Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Snag Between Perfect and Real or The Summer Love Strategy and dive into Ray Stoeve’s vibrant, heartfelt world of YA fiction! Whether you’re a teen or just young at heart, their stories will leave you inspired and seen.