Title: Mom Said Skirt
Subtitle: A Sweet ＆ Silly High School Transgender Comedy
Series: Japanesque TS
Author: Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa
Welcome to my corner of the literary world, where I explore the vibrant and diverse landscape of LGBTQ+ fiction! I’m thrilled to share my latest novel with you: “Mom Said Skirt: A Sweet & Silly High School Transgender Comedy.”
As a writer, I’m drawn to stories that celebrate the human experience in all its messy, complicated, and beautiful forms. I believe that LGBTQ+ stories have the power to connect us, to challenge our assumptions, and to create a more inclusive world.
“Mom Said Skirt” is a story that’s been brewing in my mind for a long time. It’s inspired by my love of Japanese light novels and TS Shousetsu, a genre that often explores gender transformation in a playful and imaginative way. However, I also wanted to create a story that was grounded in reality, with characters that felt authentic and relatable.
The novel follows Jun, a high school student whose life is turned upside down when his mom makes a rather unconventional decision: to save money, Jun will be attending school in a skirt! What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming journey of self-discovery as Jun navigates the challenges of high school, grapples with his/her gender identity, and forms unexpected connections with the people around her.
One of the things that sets “Mom Said Skirt” apart is its tone. While many transgender stories focus on the pain and struggles of transition, I wanted to create a story that was filled with joy, humor, and hope. I believe that it’s important to show the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ experience, and that includes the moments of laughter, friendship, and love that make life worth living.
“Mom Said Skirt” is also a story about the power of family and community. Jun is surrounded by a cast of quirky and supportive characters, including her well-meaning but slightly clueless mom, her fiercely independent sister, and her ex-girlfriend, Reo, who’s now navigating her own gender journey. These relationships help Jun to navigate the challenges of high school and to ultimately embrace her true self.
In writing “Mom Said Skirt,” I wanted to create a story that would resonate with both LGBTQ+ readers and anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. I hope that this novel will make you laugh, cry, and think about gender in a whole new way. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you enjoy reading “Mom Said Skirt” as much as I enjoyed writing it!