When Bobby Scoynes was growing up, he was an avid reader. But he doesn’t recall encountering many books with LGBTQ characters—characters he could relate to. As a young man, Bobby struggled with his sexuality, and it wasn’t until his late teens that he came to understand he was gay.
“Maybe if there had been more representation, I would have figured it out sooner,” he reflects.
“I knew I was different, but I didn’t know why. If I had access to books where the characters’ feelings mirrored my own, I might have understood myself much earlier…”
Picture: Bobby Scoynes
Today, Bobby is an English teacher in Syston, and he’s taken it upon himself to fill the gap he once experienced in literature. He has written and published ‘Invisible Me’, a coming-of-age novel with a gay protagonist.
He hopes the book will help closeted teens navigate the often difficult journey of coming out and embracing their authentic selves.
“I was inspired to write Invisible Me after thinking about the kind of book I would have wanted to read as a teenager,” he shares.
“As a closeted gay teen, there were no LGBTQ+ books in libraries or bookstores. Representation in literature just didn’t exist the way it does today.“
He adds, “Because of that, I didn’t see myself reflected in fiction until I was an adult. Without that representation, I didn’t even understand what being gay meant as a child — I just knew I felt different from everyone else.”
While society has made strides in recent years, Bobby knows that many closeted teens are still struggling with the same feelings of isolation he once had. Invisible Me is his attempt to reach those young people, offering them a story that shows they’re not alone.
“Times have thankfully changed, but there are still so many teenagers out there who feel like they can’t be their true selves in a world that often seems one-dimensional. Coming to terms with who you are can be a long, difficult journey. I hope my book helps readers realise that they’re not alone—that there are others just like them,” he says.
In addition to exploring themes of sexuality, Invisible Me also delves into mental health. The novel addresses challenging topics like bullying and depression, but Bobby is quick to point out that it also has its lighter moments.
“The protagonist is a teenage boy who faces a lot of obstacles, but there’s also humour in his story,” he explains.
“It’s a blend of tough subjects and moments of levity. Despite the hardships, the book ends on an optimistic note.”
Bobby feels a deep connection to the protagonist, even though the character is fictional and nameless.
“I’ve lived with this character for over seven years,” he says. “He likes singing, especially opera. He’s an individual, a bit different from everyone else. He’s got a great sense of humour, and while life isn’t perfect for him by the end of the book, he has things in his life that bring him joy, and he holds onto hope. I’m really happy for him.”
As for Bobby, he is proud of the novel that’s now out in the world.
“Yeah, I’m really proud of it,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. “There’s something surreal about holding the physical book in your hands.”
He reflects on how being different can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation: “Growing up, it can feel like you’re ostracised. But with Invisible Me, I hope people realise that they’re not alone. “The book encourages readers to be themselves and to find happiness in that. That’s the most important message I want to share.”
