September 9th 2024.
Renowned British children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson is making a comeback with a new book, and she couldn't be happier. In fact, she's even been dubbed a "gay icon" just four years after publicly coming out.
At 78 years old, Dame Jacqueline is best known for her popular book series, The Story of Tracy Beaker, which was later adapted into a TV show by CBBC. But in 2020, she made headlines for a different reason - revealing that she had been in a long-term relationship with a woman for nearly 20 years.
Now, as she prepares to release her latest novel, Think Again, the acclaimed writer is proud to be considered a role model for the LGBTQ+ community. She may not be waving a rainbow flag anytime soon, but she fully supports those who do.
"I'm very touched to be thought of as a gay icon, it's an absolute delight," she shared in an interview with the BBC. "I highly applaud and approve of anyone who does [rampage around with a rainbow flag]."
Think Again is not only Dame Jacqueline's first adult novel, but it also explores mature themes such as same-sex relationships. This is something she has been wanting to do for years, ever since her daughter asked her what happens to her characters when they grow up.
"In real time, the girls would be hitting 40, and that's a significant age where you have to make big decisions," she explained. "For some people, life doesn't look like what you dreamt of as a teenager."
While Dame Jacqueline has been writing for over 50 years and has published more than 100 books, it wasn't until recently that she started to include LGBT themes in her work. Her 2020 novel, Love Frankie, was the first to feature an openly gay protagonist.
But according to the author, it wasn't because she was avoiding the topic. "I could have written one sooner, but there would have been far more 'Oh my gosh, Jacqueline has written about someone who is gay!' Whereas now it's not a big deal," she said.
Think Again follows the story of a woman who falls in love with another woman after divorcing her husband, a plot that closely mirrors Dame Jacqueline's own life story. She was married to William Wilson for nearly 40 years before their divorce was finalized in 2004. Her current partner, Trish Beswick, has been with her for 22 years.
But despite the similarities, the author insists that Think Again is not meant to be autobiographical. She's still using her imagination when creating her characters, she says.
Since publishing her first book in 1969, Dame Jacqueline has become one of the most beloved and successful children's authors in the UK. In 2008, she was awarded a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to literature, six years after receiving an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for her work in promoting literacy in schools.
As she prepares for the release of Think Again on September 12, Dame Jacqueline reflects on her decision to come out publicly in 2020. "I've never really been in any kind of closet," she said at the time. "It would be such old news for anybody that has ever known anything much about me. Even the vaguest acquaintance knows perfectly well that we are a couple."
She also revealed that her mother was the only one who disapproved of her relationship, but it didn't bother her too much. "That wasn't too devastating for me because my mum cordially hated my ex-husband. She didn't really approve of any of my friends."
Fans can look forward to purchasing Think Again at all major online bookstores, including Waterstones, Foyles, WHS Smith, and Amazon. And for those who are curious about Dame Jacqueline's personal life, she assures us that the book is not a tell-all.
But as for being a gay icon, she's happy to embrace the title and continue being a role model for the LGBTQ+ community. After all, as she says, "It's an absolute delight."
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