Hey, it’s Kayla. I went to the So Gay For You book tour stop at my neighborhood indie shop. I brought my sticky notes, my beat-up tote, and a little snack. I left with a signed book, two pins, and a full heart. Also a sore back, but worth it. If you haven’t peeked at the official book page yet, the specs and cover close-ups are over on the publisher’s site here.
Quick outline
- The vibe when I walked in
- Stand-out moments
- What didn’t land for me
- Crowd snapshots
- Merch and money stuff
- My favorite bits (real examples)
- Final take and tips
The vibe when I walked in
Line around the block. People in denim jackets and glitter nails. A couple in matching queer cheer shirts, which made me grin. Staff handed us wristbands and gave us pronoun stickers at the door. Good touch.
They had a playlist going—MUNA, Chappell Roan, Troye Sivan. It set the mood. You know what? My shoulders dropped. I felt safe.
There was a tiny photo corner with a pink neon sign that said “so gay for this.” A Polaroid on the table. One free snap per person. I still have the photo. I look goofy and happy. The good kind.
Stand-out moments
- The author walked out in silver boots and a soft blue blazer. The mic squealed once, then they laughed and said, “Queer joy gets loud.” The room cheered.
- They read a roller rink scene. Big feelings. Disco ball drama. The main character tried to confess while wobbling in skates. I snorted. Then I teared up. Both happened.
- During Q&A, a teen asked, “How do you write joy when you’re tired?” The author said, “I put the joy on the page first. Then I earn it.” Simple. It stuck with me.
- Someone asked about the “gay for you” trope. The author was clear: “We made it soft, not shamey. Consent on the page, always.” People snapped. I did too.
- My favorite one-liner from them: “Queer love isn’t a plot twist. It’s the plot.”
What didn’t land for me
I loved the night. Well, mostly.
It started 25 minutes late. Not the worst, but folks were on their feet in a hot room. The back row had trouble hearing during the first ten minutes. Once they raised the mic, it was fine. Seating was packed tight. Knees to chairs. If you get anxious in crowds, breathe and bring water.
Also, they ran out of the special bookplate stamp by the time I got near the table. I still got a signed page (cute heart doodle), but the rainbow stamp was gone. Small thing. Still a bummer.
Crowd and culture check
The crowd was very sweet. A grandma wore a Free Mom Hugs shirt and handed out mints. A guy near me brought his dad. The dad cried quietly during the family scene. Then they hugged. I stared at my shoes so they could have that moment.
Fashion? Lots of enamel pins, Doc Martens, and one person in a full glitter blazer. We traded sticker sheets. I gave a “read gay, stay gay” sticker and got a tiny peach with a smiley face. It’s now on my water bottle. It makes me laugh at work meetings. The sticker trade actually reminded me of the expressive panel art in a stack of gay manga I tore through recently—all big feelings in small frames.
Merch and money stuff
The merch table had clear signs and prices. Bless whoever did that.
- Hardcover: $28
- Paperback: $18
- Tote with the title in blue foil: $22
- Enamel pin (tiny roller skate): $10
- Sticker sheet: $6
Card only. Square reader. Quick tap, done. They handed out numbered Post-it notes for signing, which kept the line moving. Line management was smooth: A, B, C wristbands by row. The staffer at the mic called groups like it was boarding a plane, but nicer.
My favorite bits (real examples)
- The Sharpie squeak when the author signed my title page and drew a tiny star. They asked how to spell my name. I said “Kayla, like the song.” They laughed and wrote, “Kayla—be as loud as you want.” I will.
- A reader asked, “Was there a scene that was hard to cut?” The author said, “Yes, a bus stop kiss in the rain. It was cute, but the pacing dragged.” Then they read two lines from the cut draft. We groaned because it was so sweet. Editing hurts. I get it.
- They showed their beat-up notebook. Coffee stains. Tabs. A folded page labeled “Kiss math,” which cracked me up. They said, “I track tension like a little spreadsheet—setup, beat, payoff.” Very nerdy. Very good.
- After the event, I sat on the curb with two new friends and split a late taco from the truck parked outside. Lime, cilantro, grease on my napkin. We said the same thing at the same time: “That was lovely.” It really was.
Final take
This tour felt like a hug and a pep talk. It was messy in spots, sure, but the heart landed. Did I cry? A bit. Did I laugh? Loud. I walked home with a warm chest and ink on my thumb. West Coasters, note that the tour hits LA soon at Hollywood Forever’s Masonic Lodge—set your calendar here. Speaking of digital spaces where queer folks mingle away from the page, if you’ve ever side-eyed those Snapchat-style hookup platforms and wondered whether they’re more spark or spam, this hands-on SnapSext review lays out the pros, cons, pricing quirks, and safety must-knows so you can scroll (or swipe) informed.
On the flip side, maybe your vibe is less swipe-right and more “knead the knots out after a long signing line.” If a Gulf-Coast road trip drops you near Houston and you’re scouting a legit-by-day, extras-at-night parlor, this in-depth Rubmaps Lake Jackson guide breaks down real-user intel, door fees, and etiquette tips so you can decide whether the detour is worth your dollars.
Rating: 4.5/5. If you care about queer joy, found family, and a good roller rink fiasco, go. Bring a friend. Or make one there. It’s that kind of room. For more community-sourced queer lit recs and event recaps, swing by Gay Book Reviews and keep the roller-skate vibes rolling. If your shelf is craving portal-hopping heroes and spell-slinging smooches, my roundup of gay fantasy books that lit up my 2024 might point you toward your next obsession. Prefer contemporary feels? I also unpacked the highs and lows of recent books with a gay protagonist.
If you’re going soon: quick tips
- Get there 45 minutes early for a seat.
- Bring water and a light layer. Rooms get warm.
- Write your name on the signing Post-it in clear caps. Saves time.
- Cash isn’t needed. Card/tap is faster.
- If you’re shy, prep a question on your phone. Short is good.
- Save a page flag for your fave line. You’ll want to mark it.
I’m keeping the wristband in my journal. Small thing, big feeling. And, yeah, I’m still so gay for this.