A Dutiful Boy

An inspiring and hopeful coming-of-age memoir about growing up gay in a devout Muslim household.

WINNER of the Polari First Book Prize 2021
WINNER of the LAMBDA 2021 Literary Award for Best Gay Memoir/Biography

A Dutiful Boy is Mohsin's personal journey from denial to acceptance- a revelatory memoir about the power of love, belonging, and living every part of your identity.

Growing up in a devout Muslim household, it felt impossible for Mohsin to be gay. Unable to be open with his family, and with difficult conditions at school, he felt his opportunities closing around him. Despite the odds, Mohsin's perseverance led him to become the first person from his school to attend Oxford University, where new experiences and encounters helped him to discover who he truly wanted to be. Mohsin was confronted with the biggest decision he would ever make- to live the life that was expected of him or to live as his authentic self.

A Guardian, GQ, and New Statesman Book of the Year

'Genuinely inspiring... Beautifully written, dignified and ultimately redemptive, this challenging story abounds with light and love' Attitude