Tash McAdam

Tash is a Welsh-Canadian author, activist and educator. Kirkus starred trans-led thriller NO ONE LEFT BUT YOU releases on November 7th, 2023, from Soho Teen. Tash has been chosen twice for the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard (BLOODSPORT, 2020, SINK OR SWIM, 2021), and been featured on many lists including multiple times on the CBC best books.

Tash is a recipient of the Shoot for the Moon fund for trans writers, and a founding mentor and board member with the Gender Generations Project.Their writing journey began when their wife dared them to write a book after they complained too much about predictable plots in young adult fiction. That first novel became part of queer sci fi dystopia YA series, THE PSIONICS (Nine Star Press).

When they’re not writing or reading you can probably find Tash in a lake, lying on the carpet thinking about monsters, or getting a new tattoo. They enjoy regular cups of tea, existential philosophy, and sharp objects.

Mentor and Managing Editor for the Gender Generations Project [2017-present]

• Developed and ran literary programing for groups of trans youth aged 10-19
• Engaged youth from diverse backgrounds with relevant and current material
• Facilitated the creation of a novel length collection of poetry, prose and art created by and for trans youth
• Edited the final collected works in preparation for publication
• Helped secure publishing contracts with Orca Book Publishers (publishing a youth friendly version of the collection) and Canadian Scholars Press (publishing an academic version of the same material, with responses from transgender scholars. I also edited the responding pieces)

High School English and Computer Science Teacher Vancouver School Board, [2018- Present]

• Consistently delivered engaging educational content to students aged 12-18, reaching across cultural and linguistic barriers to encourage and nurture connection to story and language

Queer and Trans Competency Trainer QMUNITY [2017]

• Worked with a huge variety of organisations and individuals providing educational programming around queer and trans identities.
• Delivered experiential programs focused on heightening understanding and building safe and supportive environments for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
• Led trainings between 1 and 4 hours long to varied groups of clients 
• Managed large groups and ensured a smooth and comfortable educational experience
• Brought lived experience to the trainings 

Navigated difficult and personal subject matters with calm and supportive manner

Publication History:

No One Left But You, SoHo Teen, November 7th 2023, Kirkus Starred selection

Airlock, The Ooze, Sink or Swim (JLG Gold 2021), Blood Sport (JLG Gold 2020) Orca Books The Psionics Series, Nine Star Press 2018

Bachelor of Education in English, and Computer Science, University of British Columbia

• Outstanding Practicum Award for demonstrated excellence over Bachelor of Education practicum
• Dean of Education Prize for outstanding academic performance in the area of inquiry during BEd program

Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Tech and Design, University of Kent, England [2010]

• 1st class hons, selected as only student team to work with live clients

Cambridge Postgraduate Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) [2010]