Milo Todd discusses the research process for his debut, The Lilac People. This sweeping historical fiction novel shares a devastating chapter in trans history.
Debut novelist Milo Todd joins me to discuss his book, The Lilac People, in honor of Pride Month. This heartbreaking historical fiction novel uncovers a devastating chapter in queer and trans history.
Milo's novel centers on a group of trans and intersex patients at Berlin's Institute for Sexual Science as Hitler's regime begins its rise to power. Through stunning research and unforgettable characters, readers uncover a nearly erased history to life—while drawing chilling parallels to today's political climate.
In our conversation, Milo shares how real historical figures and overlooked archives shaped the characters in his novel—and why it was crucial to honor the lives of those whose stories were almost erased from history.
In this moving conversation, Milo and I discuss:
- How Milo discovered the history of the Institute for Sexual Science and the work of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld—and the biggest surprises when researching their legacy.
- The challenges with research for this novel in the face of the pandemic and the creative avenues he took to build his story
- How Milo sees trans people as being the canaries in the coal mine as we discuss one of his story's most impactful scenes
- How Milo's teaching work with trans youth informs his writing and what actions he believes are most impactful in allyship today.
BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing a companion book list of 26 LGBTQ History Books to read, including new releases and backlist titles, that offer illuminating details on the joys and triumphs throughout queer history.
Meet Milo Todd
Milo Todd is a Massachusetts Cultural Council grantee and a Lambda Literary Fellow. His work has appeared in Slice Magazine and elsewhere. He is the co-editor-in-chief of Foglifter and teaches creative writing to queer and trans adults. The Lilac People is his debut novel.
Mentioned in this episode:
Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits—thank you for supporting my small business!
Download Today's Show Transcript
Join the June Book Club Chat (The Reckless Oath We Made)
BONUS BOOK LIST: 26 LGBTQ Books to Read for Pride Month
Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton
Larry Hoffer (@getbookedwithlarry)
The Lilac People by Milo Todd
The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden
You Can't Ask That
Institute for Sexual Science
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Milo's Events
The Queer Writer
A sample of Max Meyers's narration
Milo's Instagram
We Are Bookish (NetGalley's blog)
milotodd.com
How to Jazz Up Your Book Club While Reading The Lilac People
Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang Patreon
Connect with Milo on Instagram or his Website
Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice
Get My Happy List Newsletter
Get the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
