The Party's Just Starting!

Previously on Rod’s blog…My hopes of becoming a published author took a hit when my manuscript Chasing Pacquiao was rejected by an editor at the last minute because she assumed I wasn’t queer. After months of depression and self-reflection, I came out as bi in my essay “Late to the Party.” (I may have also mentioned ube.)   

What a difference a viral coming out essay can make! I’m thrilled to finally announce that Chasing Pacquiao has been picked up by Jenny Bak of Viking Books for publication in 2023! Salamat to Jim McCarthy for working his agent mojo and bringing my manuscript back from the dead/rejection pile. And a huge thank you to everyone who read and forwarded “Late to the Party” and made sure my truth was heard. This new day has arrived because of you!

So, the question folks are undoubtedly asking is, was coming out worth it? To that I say, it’s the wrong question. A more relevant one would be, why should I—or anyone else—be forced to reveal my private life in order to get published? Yes, I now have a book deal, but I should have had one a year ago, and I would have if I’d been judged solely on the quality of my writing. My novel should have been picked up without me having to endure the trauma of being forced out, followed by getting judged and ridiculed by family and strangers alike. Let’s skim the highlights, shall we? Shortly after coming out, I became the favorite tsismis topic of relatives—many of whom I haven’t spoken to in years. A few called me an “embarrassment,” some became bent on saving my “sinful” soul, while others just wanted to rip into me with their hate. One had the gall to ask my wife if I was cheating on her with a man. (Please join me now in a round of WTF??) Yep, that was a special moment of bigotry. Fun times.

When a queer BIPOC author has to withstand such emotional distress just to have a chance at being published, the gatekeepers of our industry need to re-evaluate their methods and motives. Seriously, folks, what are we doing here? Who are we advocating for? No writer owes anyone their privacy—whether they be an agent, editor, or reader. But the storyteller in me wants to believe that certain things happen for a reason. If sharing my truth helped further the discussion on Ownvoices and hopefully prevented other aspiring authors from enduring similar heartbreak, then I’m grateful. Viewed in that light, my coming out was…necessary. I’m hopeful that publishing can become more thoughtful and kinder, while still advocating for marginalized authors.

Now let’s celebrate! I have a book deal! (Still waiting on those ube gifts, people.)  Salamat to my Filipino kababayan who’ve had my back from day one. This is for you. Some day soon, a queer Filipinx kid who is struggling with their identity will see themselves within the pages of my novel and know that their experience is valid. They’ll know that they matter. 

Thank you also to the many wonderful, supportive friends I’ve made within the LGBTQ+ and book communities. Your kind words have helped me through the tough days of pain and self-doubt. As my dear friend and fellow Bi-venger Becky Albertalli is fond of saying, be thankful for silver linings. My list of silver linings is overflowing!

Friends, please follow me on Instagram and Twitter @rodapulido, because the party’s just getting started—and so am I.