Back in my pre-internet youth, I’d take the covered wagon to pick up the newest Sears catalog (What men’s underwear ads? I read it for the articles) or Tiger Beat magazine to find out about new books. Young adult novels with rainbow representation were nonexistent (that’s why David Levithan and Adam Silvera’s work is so important today, in my gay opinion). I didn’t read my first non-straight book until I was in my 20’s (Sandra Bernhard’s “Love, Love and Love”). It was hard to find representation as a white gay, I can’t even imagine as a Black member of the Rainbow Family.
Earlier this year, I read “Harriet Tubman: Live In Concert” by Bob The Drag Queen and just finished “Chocolate Chip City” by Be Steadwell, both are getting Black non-straight voices heard. These books are works of fiction but have elements of Black history. Harriet Tubman is obviously a well known historical figure, while “Chocolate Chip City” focuses on U Street in the Black Broadway section of Washington DC. I like when a book can educate me in a way that isn’t institutional. “Chocolate Chip City” also taught me how lesbians use strap-ons, which is an education I wasn’t seeking or will soon forget.
I was lucky enough to meet Be after her Symphony Space concert in NYC in 2022
“Chocolate Chip City” is about three Black sister witches with a queer twist. At first, I wrongly thought Black lesbian “Charmed”, but these witches’ gifts are based more in nature instead of the supernatural. Jasmine works her magic in the kitchen of her cafe, Ella heals her clients through massage at a local gym and Layla is the activist trying to save U Street’s residents and it’s history which is under redevelopment. “Chocolate Chip City” does have that same sisterly bond but without the cheesy elements, although, there are some laughs. Like when it’s suggested to Layla (who’s straight) that she needs a guy, her reply, “I need a man like I need white friends. Hard pass.”
“Chocolate Chip City” is a Black queer love story for those who like a little spice. Jasmine and Ella fall in love with siblings, Zora and David, who are the children of the developer tearing down U Street; queue the drama. Although I’m not the book’s core demographic, I like the family dynamic between the siblings, their mom Ro, and non-binary friend Marble. Mostly, I like the unique characters and folks finding themselves within it’s pages.
