Even though Elias is a fictional character the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ in Ethiopia are very real. Many have had to seek exile in other countries in order to live and love openly and without fear. The House of Guramayle is an organization whose mission is to advocate for the safety and health of the Ethiopian LGBTQI+ community. For more information on how to support their work, visit their website at: https://houseofguramayle.org/
Acknowledgments
Finding Joy was the first story I sat down to write. I am filled with gratitude that it is now out in the world and for those who helped me in this journey.
To my partner, Andrew, whose wanderlust matches mine perfectly and when we met had already set his eyes on Ethiopia. A place that is such a big part of our love story.
To all the friends and colleagues who in the last few years have read versions of this book and given me such valuable feedback.
To Mackenzie Walton, my editor. You really helped me find ways to make Desta Joy and Elias shine, thank you.
To Leni Kauffman who created the beautiful illustration for this cover. I wanted two brown, queer men embracing in joy, and I wanted the beautiful Ethiopian savanna in the background. That was exactly what I got.
To my writing community, you are such a support and blessing.
And finally to Ethiopia, I cherish the years I called Addis Ababa home. To every person I met in that time who made me feel welcome and like I was exactly where I needed to be.
About the Author
Adriana was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last fifteen years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.
When she’s not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a trauma therapist in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Her Dreamers series, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, NPR, and was one of the TODAY Show on NBC’s Hot Beach Reads picks. She’s one of the co-creators of the Queer Romance PoC Collective. Visit her at: adrianaherreraromance.com
