Written by Matthew Kayser
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights remain a focal point of political and cultural debate, author Charlee Bravo—known off the page as Morena Simpson—is using her voice to push back against fear and division. A proud bisexual woman, Morena is more than a novelist; she’s an advocate for inclusivity and authenticity in both life and literature.
“No matter what legislation or ideologies the current administration advocates, I will never shy away from being the voice for the voiceless,” she says. For Morena, storytelling is a form of activism—a way to give visibility to communities that are often overlooked or misrepresented.
Her personal journey has played a major role in shaping that mission. After her divorce from her first husband, Morena chose to live openly, coming out as bisexual to her now-husband at the very beginning of their relationship. “It was important for me to be honest about who I am from the beginning,” she says. That same commitment to honesty extended to her family. When she came out to her daughter, the response was filled with love and understanding: “She told me, ‘As long as you are respectful, I am happy for you.’ That meant so much to me.”
This kind of personal acceptance has become the foundation of Morena’s public advocacy. Through her books, written under the pen name Charlee Bravo, she creates space for characters who defy traditional norms—exploring love, identity, and the messiness of real human relationships. Her latest novel, Tangled in the Web: Checkmate, continues this work, delivering complex characters and bold plotlines that push the boundaries of mainstream fiction. The book includes a twist that redefines the central relationship between characters Sweeha and Shae—an unexpected development that mirrors the unpredictability of real-life relationships and challenges readers to question societal expectations.
“I want my work to resonate with people, especially those who feel like they don’t always see themselves in books or media,” Morena explains. “Representation matters. It helps people feel less alone.”
But Morena’s impact extends beyond her writing. She actively engages with her audience through social media, community events, and public discussions, using these platforms to promote conversations around identity and representation. “Telling stories that normalize LGBTQ+ characters and relationships is a way to fight ignorance,” she says. “People fear what they don’t understand. But when they see diverse identities portrayed in meaningful ways, it helps break down those barriers.”
In a landscape where many still face discrimination and erasure, Morena’s dedication to honest storytelling serves as both a mirror and a window—for some, a reflection of their own lives; for others, a glimpse into experiences they might never otherwise encounter. Her goal is to inspire, challenge, and empower through narrative. “We should never have to apologize for who we are,” she says. “Being true to yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do.”
With future novels already in development, Morena remains committed to using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and push back against narratives that reinforce exclusion. Through her work as Charlee Bravo, she is reshaping the literary landscape—one honest, inclusive story at a time.
“Stories have the power to bring people together,” she reflects. “Whether through my characters or the themes I explore, I want readers to know they’re not alone.”
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