By: Rachael Jackson Staff Writer
Nawwal Moustafa, a Western graduate, brings a fresh page to the adult coloring book genre. Rather than mandalas, Moustafa explores lost loves and broken hearts with her companion piece for lesbian breakups, “Chin Up, Dreamboat!”
The book, slated to release in May, focuses on lesbian relationships because they are rarely represented in popular culture.
“I have never seen a Disney coloring book with two princess. There is always a glass in between you and pop culture in the sense of straight media,” explained Moustafa. “If you’re like me, if you’re gay, then with this at least you have something there for you in your corner.”
Moustafa has been gaining national attention with a Buzzfeed article and support coming from across the Atlantic.
“The Buzzfeed article was unreal to me. That was kind of a dream situation,” Moustafa admitted. “I thought in the 30 days I could reach my goal of 1,200… I didn’t know it would happen the first day!”
Western also played a part in the creation to this book; during her junior year, she came out.
“It was all brought to my attention and I figured it all out very quickly. Probably a year before I came out,” she said.
“It was a little scary, but I knew there was a lot of support with Triangle [Alliance] and Safe Zone. When I did come out, it was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I remember right after I came out and a professor walked by and I said, ‘Hey man, I’m coming out!’ and he came and gave me a hug. It was a great feeling.”
Donate to her Kickstarter by March 13 by way of her website: http://chinupdreamboat.com.
