"A touching poetic exploration of budding sexuality, the mysticism of religion, and family dynamics. Shraya's text and Neufeld's illustrations capture the confusion, innocence, and de3lusions of adolescence bang on."?Brian Francis, author of "Fruit"

"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 here is not 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."

First self-published to acclaim in 2011, Vivek Shraya's first book, now published by Arsenal Pulp Press for the first time, is a collection of twenty-one short stories following a tender, intellectual, and curious child of Indian origin 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 youth that celebrates diversity in all shapes, sizes, and colors. A Lambda Literary Award finalist in the category of children's books. The stories are accompanied by the award-winning full-color illustrations of Juliana Neufeld.

Vivek Shraya is a multimedia artist, working in the mediums of music, performance, literature, and film. He is also author of "She of the Mountains."

"In the beginning, there is no he. There is no she."
"Two cells make up one cell. This is the mathematics behind creation. One plus one makes one. Life begets life. We are the period to a sentence, the effect to a cause, always belonging to someone. We are never our own."
"This is why we are so lonely."

"She of the Mountains" is a beautifully rendered illustrated novel by Vivek Shraya, the author of the Lambda Literary Award finalist "God Loves Hair." Shraya weaves a passionate, contemporary love story between a man and his body, with a re-imagining of Hindu mythology. Both narratives explore the complexities of embodiment and the damaging effects that policing gender and sexuality can have on the human heart.
Illustrations are by Raymond Biesinger, whose work has appeared in such publications as "The New Yorker" and the "New York Times."
Vivek Shraya is a multimedia artist, working in the mediums of music, performance, literature, and film. His most recent film, "What I LOVE about Being QUEER," has been expanded to include an online project and book with contributions from around the world. He is also author of "God Loves Hair."