“I want characters to do bad things and get away with their misdeeds. I want characters to think ugly thoughts and make ugly decisions. I want characters to make mistakes and put themselves first without apologizing for it.”

Roxane Gay is an American writer and professor. She is known for her essays on gender, race, and culture, including the bestselling *Bad Feminist*, and her contributions to contemporary conversations on identity and social justice. Her work blends sharp critique with accessible storytelling.