After a long, challenging period, I’m happy to share that the book version of The Queer Face of War will soon be going to press with the photo book publisher Verlag Kettler. It will be available in the EU in October and in the U.S. in early 2026, distributed by one of the country’s largest art book distributors. I’ll have more details on the launch soon, including plans for exhibits, book talks, and more.

It’s incredible to see this work come together in a collection and to share the stories of Ukraine’s queer community with the wider world. There have been many challenges in bringing the book across the finish line—and honestly, there were moments when I worried it might not happen. Challenges still lie ahead: institutions where I had hoped to exhibit the work are facing financial crises due to Trump-era cuts, which also led to my layoff from CUNY’s Gender Justice and Human Rights Clinic.

From the book’s back cover: The stories of Ukraine’s queer movement remain urgent and inspiring at a time when Ukraine continues to fight bravely for its independence and queer people around the world are fighting for their rights. The Queer Face of War tells the story of how Russia developed a strategy—since adopted by authoritarian leaders around the world—of attacking queer people to undermine fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. It also celebrates how LGBTQ+ Ukrainians fought back, mobilizing as part of the pro-democracy movement, fighting for their rights while defending their country. Today I’m excited to share the book’s cover, which features a portrait of Oleksii Polukhin. You can pre-order the book in the EU here; more information on U.S. orders will be available soon.