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A review by jaelynx
Proud Pink Sky by Redfern Jon Barrett
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
In an alternate history, the end of WWII sees the formation of Berlin as an independent gay state with polari as an official language. Now 24 million strong and a glittering futuristic metropolis, it is divided into an assortment of gay and lesbian districts (Twinkstadt, Diesel, Paw, Adonis…) including a hetero district for the immigrant straight labour and Q; which houses those who don’t fit into the strict categories of Gay and Lesbian. Those who as bisexual, trans+ and polyamorous are seen as diluting the gay state and a fifth column for heterosexuals. Same-sex monogamous marriage is a requirement for full citizenship in Berlin.
The story follows the teen William who flees the homophobic persecution of Britain with his lover but struggles to find a place in the city’s rigid hierarchy. Meanwhile, Cissie and her family move to the city’s heterosexual district while her husband takes construction work. But while he falls into religious propaganda, Cissie explores life in the illegal trans district as tensions mount between the state and its undesirable residents.
I have to say, I’ve long been enamoured by the idea of a gay homeland to feel safe in, as flawed as the idea is (and have occasionally wanted to write a novel on this myself). To have this played out but the state centred on the community’s internal biphobia, transphobia etc. is very uncomfortable. The fact the city’s majority wants to be seen as normal and respectable enough to be accepted by the wider world (despite the distinction never mattering to bigots) sounded very familiar to groups like Mattachine, those who want to throw the radicals under the bus and conform to cishet values as much as possible. Put on a suit and tie, get married and be as non-threatening as possible rather than burn down the system that oppresses us. I never imagined a gay state being anything other than a revolutionary one and this is both innovative and depressing/sobering at the same time.
Then that the rest of the world never progressed on gay rights while everyone fled to Berlin is also a key part of why the gay nation idea has always been a risk - if you all leave, how will things improve for the kids born after you? We’re not free unless every queer child is born into that freedom.
Yet at the same time, the arguments for the safety found inside the nation used by various characters are particularly poignant in today’s climate, even if those most in need of it are those who are discriminated against in Barrett’s Berlin. All this really serves to underline the importance of unity within the community as the one thing that has got us through our darkest eras.
All in all, it is a fascinating and engaging book (especially for me as someone who has long been intrigued by the idea and is a nerd for queer history, Berlin, and Polari). My only note is that there was only a partial resolution and I feel there is far more potential to the world created that is touched upon by this book. Like seeing a town through a train window as you whizz by. I’d love to read more exploring other aspects and dynamics within the city, and different eras of its history.
Barrett is on Masto (tagged at the top) and has a trailer for the book in their feed.
Fun factoid, there have been minor attempts to create a gay nation, such as the attempted takeover of Alpine County, California. None have really got very far at all though. But our migration to our communities has been common enough throughout our history so I wouldn’t say it is implausible that it could still happen.
And as always, support your local queer bookshop. They’re our little Berlins (without the dystopic element); Gays the Word and Common Press in London.
The story follows the teen William who flees the homophobic persecution of Britain with his lover but struggles to find a place in the city’s rigid hierarchy. Meanwhile, Cissie and her family move to the city’s heterosexual district while her husband takes construction work. But while he falls into religious propaganda, Cissie explores life in the illegal trans district as tensions mount between the state and its undesirable residents.
I have to say, I’ve long been enamoured by the idea of a gay homeland to feel safe in, as flawed as the idea is (and have occasionally wanted to write a novel on this myself). To have this played out but the state centred on the community’s internal biphobia, transphobia etc. is very uncomfortable. The fact the city’s majority wants to be seen as normal and respectable enough to be accepted by the wider world (despite the distinction never mattering to bigots) sounded very familiar to groups like Mattachine, those who want to throw the radicals under the bus and conform to cishet values as much as possible. Put on a suit and tie, get married and be as non-threatening as possible rather than burn down the system that oppresses us. I never imagined a gay state being anything other than a revolutionary one and this is both innovative and depressing/sobering at the same time.
Then that the rest of the world never progressed on gay rights while everyone fled to Berlin is also a key part of why the gay nation idea has always been a risk - if you all leave, how will things improve for the kids born after you? We’re not free unless every queer child is born into that freedom.
Yet at the same time, the arguments for the safety found inside the nation used by various characters are particularly poignant in today’s climate, even if those most in need of it are those who are discriminated against in Barrett’s Berlin. All this really serves to underline the importance of unity within the community as the one thing that has got us through our darkest eras.
All in all, it is a fascinating and engaging book (especially for me as someone who has long been intrigued by the idea and is a nerd for queer history, Berlin, and Polari). My only note is that there was only a partial resolution and I feel there is far more potential to the world created that is touched upon by this book. Like seeing a town through a train window as you whizz by. I’d love to read more exploring other aspects and dynamics within the city, and different eras of its history.
Barrett is on Masto (tagged at the top) and has a trailer for the book in their feed.
Fun factoid, there have been minor attempts to create a gay nation, such as the attempted takeover of Alpine County, California. None have really got very far at all though. But our migration to our communities has been common enough throughout our history so I wouldn’t say it is implausible that it could still happen.
And as always, support your local queer bookshop. They’re our little Berlins (without the dystopic element); Gays the Word and Common Press in London.