Gary Lonesborough

Gary Lonesborough (born 1995) is an Australian Yuin young adult fiction author. His work addresses Aboriginal identity, sexuality, grief, masculinity, and the experiences of queer Indigenous youth.

He is best known for his award-winning debut novel The Boy from the Mish (2021), followed by We Didn't Think It Through (2023), I'm Not Really Here (2025), and Good Young Men (2026).

Early life Lonesborough was born 1995 in Bega, New South Wales, where he was raised in a large Aboriginal family within the Yuin community. His upbringing in a small regional town was largely influential to the settings and themes of his later fictional works, including rural masculinity, community gossip, and the pressures that are placed on Aboriginal youth.

Career Before becoming a published novelist, Lonesborough worked in Aboriginal health, child protection, disability support, and youth justice.

Following his literary debut, Lonesborough became known in Australia young adult literature for writing about queer Indigenous representation, youth mental health, and culturally grounded storytelling.

I'm Not Really Here (2025) I'm Not Really Here has been described as one of Lonesborough's most personal works. He has stated that the protagonist Jonah is "the closest to myself as a character that I've written", reflecting his own experiences growing up as a queer Indigenous teenager. The novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the emotional aftermath of trauma.

Good Young Men (2026) His latest novel, Good Young Men, has been noted for its portrayal of three Aboriginal teenagers confronting racism, police violence, sexuality, and family trauma. Reviewers have discussed its tension, emotional depth, and messages about authenticity and friendship.

Themes and reception Lonesborough’s fictional work is recognised for its exploration of grief, identity, sexuality, and the experiences of queer Aboriginal youth. Critics have highlighted his use of emotional vulnerability and personal experience to portray characters who confront trauma, belonging, and self‑acceptance.

His work frequently incorporates autobiographical elements, including cyberbullying, community gossip, and pressures of rural masculinity.

Good Young Men was praised for its “literal, filmic” writing style and immersive emotional stakes.

Awards and honours Booktopia Favourite Debut Book Award — The Boy from the Mish Readings Young Adult Prize (2024) — We Didn’t Think It Through Finalist, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards — I’m Not Really Here