Synopsis "The Birthright of Sons: Stories"
The Birthright of Sons is a collection of storiescentered around the experiences of marginalized people, namely Black and LGBTQ+men. Although the stories borrow elements from various genres (horror, suspense, romance, magical realism, etc.), they are linked by an exploration ofidentity and the ways personhood is shaped through interactions with thepeople, places, and belief systems around us.Underpinning the project isa core tenet: self-definition is fluid, but conflict arises because societyoften fails to keep pace with personal evolution. In each of these stories, theprotagonists grapple with their understanding of who they are, who and how theylove, and what is ultimately most important to them. In almost every case, however, the quest to know or protect oneself is challenged by an externalforce, resulting in violence, crisis, or confusion, among other outcomes. The Birthright of Sons colors in "the other" asthree-dimensional by highlighting the unique obstacles that marginalized peopleface while simultaneously centering their humanity and unearthing universalstruggles and commonalities. Be it experiencing a sexual awakening, contemplatingthe cumulative effects of racial tension in the workplace, or searchingdesperately for a moment of peace in the attention economy, the collectionamplifies underrepresented voices in a playful and contemporary way, elevating, critiquing, and confronting its characters.
