Imogen, Obviously — Special Edition

Imogen Scott may be obviously straight, but she certainly deserves her title as the world’s greatest ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

She has never missed a Pride Alliance meeting and knows the queer media pitch better than her lesbian sister. She also has two queer friends: Gretchen, a classmate who helps Imogen avoid romanticising the queer community; and Lili, who recently came out and is living life to the fullest at university, surrounded by new queer friends.

Imogen is genuinely thrilled for Lili. Any ally would be. And now that she can finally visit her at university, Imogen is ready to excel in her role and help Lili with whatever she needs.

Even if that means twisting the facts, even just a little. Like when Lili drops a bombshell on Imogen, telling her college friends that they used to date. None of her new friends know that Imogen is straight—not even Lili’s closest friend, Tessa.

But the more time Imogen spends with the chaotic and beloved Tessa, the more she wonders whether “obviously straight” still describes her… and whether Imogen obviously still doesn’t know everything about herself.

Becky Albertalli humorously and insightfully explores the nuances of friendship, sexual orientation, and being an ally.