Today's Read Contributor A Powerful Debut: Yael van der Wouden Breaks Boundaries with The Safekeep
Yael van der Wouden, a Dutch-Israeli author, has made an indelible mark on contemporary literature with the release of her debut novel The Safekeep, which won the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Born in 1987 in Tel Aviv and raised in the Netherlands, van der Wouden’s multifaceted background—shaped by her identity as a queer, intersex woman—has deeply influenced her writing, bringing fresh perspectives to the literary world. In The Safekeep, she tackles complex themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, which have earned her widespread praise for their emotional depth and authenticity.
The Safekeep is set in a world where characters struggle to define themselves in the face of societal expectations and gender norms. The novel centers around protagonists grappling with their sense of self, their relationships with others, and the social structures that attempt to confine them. Van der Wouden’s portrayal of gender identity and sexual orientation is refreshingly raw and realistic, and it has made a powerful impact on readers, especially those who are often underrepresented in mainstream fiction.
Breaking New Ground with Intersex and Queer Representation
Van der Wouden’s work is groundbreaking not only because of its rich storytelling but also because of its vital representation of queer and intersex characters. In her acceptance speech for the Women’s Prize, van der Wouden openly shared her experience as an intersex individual, stating, “The long and the short of it is that hormonally I am intersex.” Her willingness to embrace her identity in such a public forum has opened up important conversations about the often-overlooked intersex community and has highlighted the need for greater visibility in literature.
The Safekeep is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to diversify the voices and experiences represented in contemporary fiction. Van der Wouden’s openness has sparked vital discussions about the limitations of traditional gender categories and the importance of intersectional representation in literature. For readers from marginalized communities, her success offers a beacon of hope for more inclusive, authentic storytelling in the future.
An Advocate for Gender Equality and LGBTQ+ Rights
Beyond her literary achievements, Yael van der Wouden is a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Through her public platform, she continues to speak out against the erasure of intersex and queer individuals in mainstream culture and calls for more inclusive representation in both literature and society. Her activism has made her a key figure in the fight for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and broader social justice initiatives.
Van der Wouden’s commitment to advocacy goes hand in hand with her literary work. She uses her platform to challenge norms, educate the public, and encourage change. Through interviews, public speaking engagements, and social media, she pushes for greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ and intersex communities.
The Broader Impact of Van der Wouden’s Work
With The Safekeep’s success, Yael van der Wouden is paving the way for future generations of writers who can see themselves reflected in her stories. Her victory at the Women’s Prize for Fiction serves as an inspiring example that the literary world is shifting toward inclusivity, where authors from diverse backgrounds—especially those from marginalized communities—are gaining the recognition they deserve.
Van der Wouden’s rise to literary prominence is part of a broader cultural movement that seeks to amplify voices that have long been silenced or ignored. Her success proves that there is a growing appetite for diverse stories that challenge preconceived notions and expand our understanding of identity and gender. As the literary world continues to evolve, authors like van der Wouden will help shape its future, making it a more inclusive, representative space for all voices.
