Rachel Gold

Rachel Gold is an Assistant Professor (Non-Tenure Track) in the English and Creative Writing Department at Macalester College, specializing in fiction writing with emphases on young adult/middle grade literature, LGBTQ+ narratives, comic book storytelling, and game-inspired narratives.

Education:

• BA, Macalester College
• MFA, Hamline University

Research Interests: Gold pioneers transgender young adult literature, exploring gender identity formation through comic book superheroes and teen relationships. Her work critically examines racism, social justice, and LGBTQ+ experiences in youth contexts, often blending fantasy elements with real-world identity struggles to create accessible narratives for marginalized readers.

Publications Trend: Gold's eight novels consistently innovate within LGBTQ+ YA fiction, evolving from foundational trans narratives (*Being Emily*, 2012) to intersectional explorations of racism and gender (*Curious Minds*, 2023). Her signature approach integrates comic book mythology and game mechanics to visualize identity development, establishing her as a critical voice in diversifying young adult literary landscapes.

Awards and Honors:

• Winner 2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award silver medal in Pre-Teen Fiction – Mature Issues
• Winner 2016 Golden Crown Literary Award in Young Adult
• Winner 2015 Golden Crown Literary Award in Young Adult
• Winner 2013 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in Young Adult Fiction – Mature Issues
• Winner 2013 Golden Crown Literary Award in Dramatic / General Fiction
• Finalist 2013 Lambda Literary Award

Professional Activities: Gold actively shapes discourse through conference presentations at venues like Clexacon and Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, addressing trans media representation and diverse storytelling. She extends her impact through teen writing workshops at the Loft Literary Center and corporate marketing expertise, bridging creative practice with real-world advocacy.