Edward Schmit on ‘The Open Era’ and queer visibility

Author Edward Schmit has written 'The Open Era,' a debut queer sports romance novel set in the world of Grand Slam tennis. The story follows Austin Hardy, a 20-year-old tennis player who becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament, while developing a connection with rival Diego Cruz. Schmit discussed the book with United By Pop during Pride Month, exploring themes of LGBTQ+ visibility in professional tennis and the mental pressures of elite competition.