Emilia Strilchuk

Emilia Strilchuk is an award-nominated queer Ukrainian comic artist and writer based in Canada, creating stories in autobiography, fantasy, and horror that explore neurodiversity, mental health, and resilience. Their autobiographical graphic novel, Be Yourself ! Oh, Not Like That, debuted in 2024, offering a deeply personal look at growing up undiagnosed autistic and navigating self-acceptance. In 2025, it was nominated for a Doug Wright Award for best small – or micro-press – book and in 2026 for Zelda Awards for Best Graphic Novel Non-Fiction. She is also the creator of Oriana: The Forgotten Deities, a fantasy comic and modern Slavic mythology retelling.

As a queer and autistic artist, Emilia creates art that reflects the depth and diversity of human experiences, sparking connections and conversations. They have a passion for storytelling, and I hope their art can one day offer respite and comfort to those who seek it. Emilia often speaks on panels on difficult topics in comics, mental health, disabilities and getting started in comics, as well as building fantastical worlds.