I’ve always aimed to be intentional and precise in my language, so this post is an opportunity to be clear. Describing me as a “diverse reader” is not clear enough for me.
I am a Black reader who strives to read diversely.
That distinction matters. My reading choices are rooted in a deep appreciation for Black voices, but I prioritize authors of color. However, when I step back and examine my reading habits more broadly, my bookshelf leans heavily toward heteronormative narratives and stories centered in the United States. This realization is not a critique but a call-in and a reminder of the commitment I made long ago to expand my readings. While I’ve made meaningful progress, there’s still room to grow. I want to read more queer stories, more narratives from the Global Majority, and more works rooted in cultures and geographies beyond the U.S. Reading diversely is not about checking boxes. It’s an ongoing, intentional practice that requires curiosity, discomfort, and radical honesty.
I’m not telling anyone what to do, but I want to publicly say being a Black reader doesn’t exempt me from doing the work. I’m reminding myself this isn’t about perfection, it’s about a series of decisions. I’m committed to being fully transparent on my journey. So yeah, I’m not a diverse reader, but I am working hard to do better to read diversely. No shade, but I’m also not interested in coercing anyone to do the same.
This is great and thank you for being so open about this! Little by little is what I say, but then I'm not reading as much as I used to 🙃