Michael SzymanskiandNicole Kristal
Michael SzymanskiandNicole Kristal
Michael Szymanski and Nicole Kristal
Michael Szymanski and Nicole Kristal have established themselves as essential voices in LGBTQ+ nonfiction, bringing clarity and compassion to conversations that often lack both. Their collaborative work, The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe, earned recognition at the 2007 Lambda Literary Awards in the Bisexual Literature category, cementing their authority on a topic frequently marginalized even within queer literary spaces. The award acknowledged not just the breadth of their research but their ability to write about bisexual identity and experience with the nuance it demands—moving beyond stereotypes to explore the real complexities of attraction, community, and belonging.
What distinguishes Szymanski and Kristal’s approach is their refusal to treat bisexuality as either a phase or a footnote. Through The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe, they’ve created a resource that speaks directly to bisexual readers while educating broader audiences about an identity that remains frequently misunderstood. Their Lambda Literary Award win represents an important recognition of work that centers bisexual voices and experiences, contributing meaningfully to the growing body of LGBTQ+ literature that insists on specificity and authenticity. In doing so, they’ve helped expand the literary conversation around sexual identity in ways that continue to resonate with readers seeking honest, informed perspectives on their own lives and communities.
