Martin PY : “Queer stories always get people talking and thinking.”

Martin PY, hailing from the coastal village of Carqueiranne, France, found his passion for storytelling through a serendipitous encounter in a comic book class. His journey, spanning from Marseille to international travels and back, is a testament to his commitment to amplifying queer voices through literature.

Can you introduce yourself and your background?

I’m from Carqueiranne, a small coastal village in France. After high school, I studied graphic arts in Marseille, where a mix-up put me in a comic book class, sparking my love for storytelling. My work, focusing on topics like bullying and sexuality, won several contests. I then explored sexuality and norms through my major project, *L’homme pénétré*. Post-studies, including anthropology, took me to Mexico, the Canary Islands, and Tunisia. Now back in Marseille, I’m fully committed to writing.

What are you working on now?

I’m delving into chemsex in my third book, aiming to offer insights through personal stories. Collaborating with La Boîte à Bulle and artist Yolaine Roux, we’re dissecting this complex issue. My work blends fiction with real narratives to enhance storytelling. Other projects include a comic on myths and human interaction, a queer animal behavior encyclopedia, and ventures into audiovisual storytelling.

What does the queer community mean to you?

To me, the queer community is about visibility and solidarity within a mainstream culture that often sidelines us. It’s about creating safe spaces and understanding the structures that oppress us. Despite its imperfections, the community is a source of pride and a place where I finally feel understood.

Who influences your work?

My influences are the people around me—friends, lovers, and everyday encounters. They’re the real stories that drive me to add to queer narratives, given the scarcity of such stories in mainstream media.

Any notable queer initiatives in Belgium?

Though I’ve only spent a short time in Brussels, I’m inspired by Belgium’s vibrant queer scene and its supportive structures for creators. Initiatives like the Bicoli library stand out for their contribution to queer and feminist literature, showing the community’s rich cultural impact.

Photo : Martin Py by Malick Majid