Queer Arcana

Queer Arcana is a unique anthology that combines storytelling with tarot, presenting 22 short stories, each inspired by a Major Arcana card. Conceived by Ian Menard, the project evolved from an initial idea of a horror anthology warning queer youth about toxic relationships into a broader collection encompassing horror, fairy tales, and slice-of-life narratives. The central theme is the exploration of diverse queer relationships and experiences, with a deliberate focus on representation across racial identities and the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

The project emphasizes the importance of queer voices, with all contributing artists identifying as queer. This ensures that the stories and accompanying artwork are authentic and resonate with the intended audience. The anthology aims to provide narratives where queer characters are not just victims but also heroes, offering a range of experiences from cautionary tales to uplifting stories of self-discovery and connection. The inclusion of a custom deck of 22 Major Arcana cards, each illustrated by a different artist, makes this project a multi-faceted offering.

While the primary output is a book of stories, the creation of a physical deck of Major Arcana cards is integral to the project's identity. These cards serve as visual companions to the narratives, allowing readers to engage with the tarot themes in a tangible way. The project successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2018, demonstrating a strong community interest in queer-centric storytelling and tarot-inspired content.

This anthology and card set is ideal for young adult readers and adolescents interested in diverse queer narratives, particularly those that explore themes of relationships, identity, and self-discovery through a blend of genres like horror, fairy tales, and slice-of-life. It will appeal to tarot enthusiasts who appreciate creative interpretations of the Major Arcana and collectors of unique, artist-driven decks. Readers seeking inclusive representation and stories crafted by queer creators will find this project particularly resonant.

Ian Menard conceived Queer Arcana from a personal reflection on advice for future children, initially envisioning a horror anthology about toxic relationships, each tied to a Major Arcana card. The concept evolved to include diverse queer characters as heroes, expanding beyond just horror to encompass fairy tales and slice-of-life stories. A core principle for Menard was ensuring all creators were queer, leading to a global call for artists who contributed their unique perspectives to the project. The project's funding covered artist fees and the production of both the books and the custom card decks.