God Loves Hair

By Vivek Shraya, artwork by Juliana Neufeld

Vivek Shraya's first book is a collection of twenty-one short stories following a tender, intellectual, and curious child as he navigates the complex realms of sexuality, gender, racial politics, religion, and belonging. Told with the poignant insight and honesty that only the voice of a young mind can convey, God Loves Hair is a moving and ultimately joyous portrait of the resiliency of youth.

The stories are accompanied by the award-winning full-colour illustrations of Toronto artist Juliana Neufeld. God Loves Hair was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, won the Applied Arts Award for Illustration, and is currently being used as a textbook at several post-secondary institutions.

I am often mistaken for a girl. Not just because I like to wear dresses or makeup. I don't mind. My parents are from India and Canada isn't quite home. School isn't always safe and neither is my body. But I feel safe in my love for God. And God loves hair.

GOD LOVES HAIR (Teaser) from Vivek Shraya on Vimeo.