I am a Nigerian-born queer writer whose work explores the intersections of identity, culture, belonging, and emotional transformation. Growing up between different worlds shaped the way I tell stories — with an eye for emotional truth, introspection, and the quiet moments that reveal who we really are.
My debut novel, The Ticket to Freedom, follows David, a young man navigating the complexities of culture, silence, sexuality, and the search for home. What began as a quiet idea became a deeply personal narrative about becoming who you truly are — even when the world demands something else.
I’m drawn to stories with heart, tension, and truth — stories that hold both pain and resilience, stories that reflect real lives, and stories that remind us that belonging isn’t something we stumble into; it’s something we build.
Through my writing, I aim to create a space where:
• Queer voices feel seen
• Immigrant stories are honored
• Healing is possible
• Love and freedom coexist
When I’m not buried in a manuscript, I’m building the world of the sequel to The Ticket to Freedom, connecting with readers, and exploring the emotional threads that tie my stories together.
Welcome to my world.
— The Luu
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I am a Nigerian-born queer writer whose work explores the intersections of identity, culture, belonging, and emotional transformation. Growing up between different worlds shaped the way I tell stories — with an eye for emotional truth, introspection, and the quiet moments that reveal who we really are.
My debut novel, The Ticket to Freedom, follows David, a young man navigating the complexities of culture, silence, sexuality, and the search for...
A weekly deep-dive into the creation of The Ticket to Freedom. Explore the spark, the identity, the culture, and the personal truths behind the story — one chapter of the journey at a time.
I may be a little biased since The Luu is my sister, but The Ticket to Freedom genuinely moved me. Her writing is powerful, honest, and full of heart. Every chapter feels alive with emotion, from struggle to strength, and ultimately, freedom. The way she captures resilience and hope is truly inspiring. Even knowing her personally, I discovered new depths to her story through this book. It’s beautifully written and deeply meaningful, a must-read for anyone seeking courage and connection in their own journey.
If The Ticket to Freedom is a house, then David is the foundation.
David didn’t arrive fully formed. He emerged slowly, piece by piece — a young man shaped by fear, tenderness, survival, and hope. I didn’t mold him into existence. I paid attention to who he was becoming as I wrote.
But before he could have a story, he needed a name.
And choosing one was its own journey.
For weeks, I circled different possibilities. Malik was one of the earliest contenders. It...
Thanksgiving always makes me pause — not just to count blessings, but to acknowledge the quiet, complicated paths that led me to them. This year feels different. Bigger. Deeper. Almost unreal.
Because this is the first Thanksgiving where I get to say:
I published my debut novel.
I put a piece of my heart into the world… and the world held it.
And that still amazes me.
The Journey Behind the Gratitude
When I think back on the road that led to The Ticket to Freedom, what I feel isn’t pride first — it...
A reflection by The Luu, Author of The Ticket to Freedom
Identity is one of the earliest truths we carry — long before we can define it, defend it, or even fully understand it. It begins in the quiet corners of who we are: our instincts, our fears, the things we’re drawn to, and the feelings we can’t shake even when the world tells us to. Belonging, though, is different. It’s not something we simply inherit. It’s something we wander toward, often without a straight path, often without a guide....
