Tanya Boteju

Tanya Boteju is a bisexual Sinhalese author who writes contemporary young adult fiction featuring diverse, queer characters. She is best known for her debut novel "Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens," which explores drag culture, identity, and self-discovery, and her second novel "Messy Perfect," a story about mental health, family expectations, and finding one's voice. A former teacher and community activist, Boteju draws from her own experiences to create authentic, nuanced narratives that center LGBTQ+ youth of color. Her work has been praised for its heartfelt representation and emotional depth, earning recognition in the YA literary community.