Invisible Boys author Holden Sheppard has revealed why he thinks a new Stan Original Series based on his best-selling novel is more relevant than ever.
The Australian writer said the adaptation of his 2019 Young Adult book about four gay teenagers living in a small Western Australian town is a story that needs to be told in the politically charged world of 2025.
‘The show is dropping in a more hostile environment than the book did. The book came out in 2019 and there was this sense that same-sex marriage had just been legalised in Australia,’ Holden told Daily Mail Australia.
‘People were like, maybe we don’t need stories like this anymore. But 2025 turns out to be needing this story more than we did six years ago, so I am glad,’ he said.
‘It’s like a little beacon of hope right now. Let’s show four young gay men being defiant, being bold, proud and just giving the middle finger to the world.’
The shock US election win of Republican candidate Donald Trump in November has led to a surge of conservative policies being implemented in America, with his executive orders being seen to target the transgender community.
Invisible Boys author Holden Sheppard has revealed why he thinks a new Stan Original Series based on his best-selling novel is more relevant than ever
It has also led to an influx ‘anti-gay’ views being openly discussed on social media by conservatives who feel empowered by Trump’s victory.
Holden’s book draws on his own experiences as a young gay teenager growing up in the regional WA town of Geraldton – and he worked hard to ensure the Stan series authentically portrayed genuine gay relationships.
‘The Stan adaptation of the series has reflected and uplifted the spirit of the book. All killer, no filler, about gay men and our voices,’ he said.
‘The show has delivered totally on that! It is written by an all-LGBT+ writers group and it is just about us. We are not trying to sanitise anything, it is gritty.
‘It doesn’t shy away from sex, masculinity or mental health. We really wanted to go there and push boundaries, to tell it like it is.’
He believes the series will appeal to all kinds of viewers because the themes explored are universal.
‘Gay men will see their own lives reflected in an honest way. More broadly, I hope straight audiences will get something from it to. There is a lot of empathy-building in a show like this,’ he said.
‘There is a message about male mental health and how it feels to be a man and not be able to reach out easily.’
The Australian writer said the adaptation of his 2019 Young Adult book about four gay teenagers living in a small Western Australian town is a story that needs to be told in the politically charged world of 2025
Holden’s book draws on his own experiences as a young gay teenager growing up in the regional WA town of Geraldton – and he worked hard to ensure the Stan series authentically portrayed genuine gay relationships
The series, which provides a raw and authentic portrayal of gay adolescence, premiered last week on Stan.
Created for television by Logie and AACTA award-winning director Nicholas Verso (Nowhere Boys), the show was written by him alongside a powerhouse team.
The series was produced by Tania Chambers OAM (Feisty Dame Productions) and Verso (Asphodel Films), and brought to life by Screen Australia, Stan, Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the WA Regional Screen Fund.
Chambers said in a statement that viewers can expect an unflinching look at some of the challenging issues facing Australian teenagers today.
‘It’s crucial not only to entertain but also to address significant issues throughout the series,’ Chambers said.
It looks to be perfect viewing for fans of other Stan Aussie teen drama shows such as Bad Behaviour and Year Of.
All ten episodes of Invisible Boys are available to stream now, only on Stan.
