Exclusive | Feature Spotlight
Terry Benton-Walker, the author behind Blood Debts, Blood Justice, and the Alex Wise series, is a rising star in the literary world, determined to use his platform to empower and inspire marginalized voices.
In a candid and insightful interview with Michael, also known as Black Gay Comic Geek, Terry J. Benton-Walker opens up to Gaye Magazine about his journey as a writer, his struggles with identity, and his mission to bring Black and queer representation to the forefront of speculative fiction.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Benton-Walker’s path to becoming a celebrated author was far from straightforward. Growing up in a conservative Christian household in southeastern Georgia, he struggled with his sexuality, often feeling alienated and unseen.
"I actually remember going into my closet as a preteen, praying and crying, asking God to take it away," he recalls. "If this is in me and it's so bad, then I don't want it. I want to be normal."
This internal conflict persisted into his early adulthood, but eventually, he found the courage to embrace his true self.
"When I was maybe 21, 22, I finally said, 'You know what, this is who I am, fuck it.' And I haven’t looked back," Benton-Walker shares.
This acceptance became the foundation of his work, influencing the stories he would go on to write.
"When you figure out who you are, and you figure out your self-worth, you're going to have no shortage of people who are telling you every day to your face, that's not true and you're not shit. And you got to be strong enough to be able to stand in that and say, actually that's not true."
Watch the Full Interview Here:
The Power of Representation
Benton-Walker’s work is deeply rooted in the idea that representation matters. His Alex Wise series, which features an all-Black, all-queer cast, is a reflection of the younger version of himself—a boy who didn’t have the representation he needed growing up.
"I wrote Alex's story to give myself a happy ending," Benton-Walker shares. "Alex Wise represents a younger version of myself, 12-year-old me who didn't make it because he wasn't protected and he wasn't loved the way that he should have been, the way that he deserved."
He hopes that by seeing themselves in Alex, Black queer kids will understand that they are deserving of love and capable of being heroes too.
"I want other queer kids, especially Black gay boys, who are having similar experiences to see themselves in Alex and to also understand that they can have a happy ending just like Alex did," he says.
His passion for representation extends beyond his own writing. Benton-Walker is committed to mentoring other marginalized authors, particularly Black gay men, to ensure that their voices are also heard.
"It can't just be me and a couple of other folks out here," he explains. "We can't carry this load by ourselves. We need more voices."
To help others navigate the often challenging world of publishing, Benton-Walker has created a novel planning kit, available for free on his website. "These are the same exercises that I use for building my own stories," he notes.
"I intended for it to be a resource to help marginalized authors, especially Black gay authors."
Confronting the Challenges of the Industry
Despite his success, Benton-Walker is acutely aware of the challenges that Black and queer authors face in the publishing industry. The disparities highlighted by the "Publishing Paid Me" movement, where Black authors revealed the often stark differences in pay compared to their white counterparts, resonate with his own experiences.
"There were shenanigans," he admits, referring to the submission process for his works. "There's always shenanigans."
However, Benton-Walker credits his success to his fierce and supportive agent, a Black queer woman who ensured he was paid his worth and treated with respect. "She doesn't play," Benton-Walker says with admiration. "She handled it. When you're working with her and you're talking about me, you got to come correct."
One of Benton-Walker’s most recent projects, The White Guy Dies First, is a horror anthology that he edited and contributed to. The collection features BIPOC authors reclaiming their roles in classic horror subgenres, and it’s been met with enthusiasm rather than backlash—a testament to the growing demand for diverse voices in literature.
"When I told my publisher the title, they screamed. They were like, yes, do it now."
Expanding the TJ-Verse
Looking ahead, Benton-Walker is eager to explore new genres and stories. While his Alex Wise and Blood Debts series have solidified his place in the world of fantasy, he’s also dipping his toes into romance and psychological horror. His upcoming work, inspired by The Last Unicorn, promises to be a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, with Benton-Walker’s signature Black and queer perspective.
As he continues to build what he affectionately calls the "TJ-Verse," Benton-Walker remains dedicated to his mission of creating stories that resonate with those who have long been underrepresented in literature.
His work is not just about entertainment; it’s about activism, empowerment, and paving the way for future generations of Black and queer creators.
"My agenda is for gay people and gay kids, Black gay kids, to see themselves represented so they know not to deal with your bullshit. So yeah, that’s my agenda."
You can explore the captivating worlds Benton-Walker has created by purchasing his books on his website or wherever books are sold.
