In the landscape of modern literature, certain works seem almost preordained for adaptation into visual storytelling. Rose Dommu’s debut novel, Best Woman, stands out in this regard, featuring Julia—a bisexual trans woman who returns to her Florida hometown from New York. Julia’s mission? To navigate her brother’s wedding festivities while attempting to win over her unforgettable high-school crush. What makes this narrative particularly engaging is its ability to weave humor and heartfelt moments without conforming to typical audience expectations. The story challenges conventions by allowing its leading character to stir a bit of chaos amidst the allure of love and romantic pursuits with various people.
This week, Vogue engaged Dommu in a conversation about the current state of romantic comedies, her decision to craft a heroine who defies the traditional notion of “happily ever after,” and the unique experiences that shape queer and trans life in Florida. She also shares her insightful view that “weddings are gender,” a concept that encapsulates a lot of her narrative’s theme.
Vogue: How are you feeling as your publication date approaches?
Rose Dommu: It’s a whirlwind of emotions, really. I feel a mix of excitement and insanity, but I’m ready to finally share it with the world.
Can you share the origins of Best Woman? When did this idea first come to you?
It’s been on my mind for nearly ten years. The initial spark was setting a story around a trans woman navigating a wedding. Weddings symbolize this grand, dramatic world brimming with emotional confrontations and celebratory chaos. Coupled with the experience of a trans person reconnecting with their family, it felt like fertile ground for rich interpersonal conflict. As a long-time fan of ’90s romantic comedies like My Best Friend’s Wedding, I wanted to honor that genre through a contemporary, inclusive lens, starring a trans protagonist.
Did you always envision Julia as a character who would bring about bisexual chaos?
Absolutely! [Laughs.] That’s fundamental to her character. Many classic rom-coms showcase heterosexual chaos, but being bisexual opens up a plethora of opportunities for more complex—and entertaining—social dynamics.
That’s so insightful.
Julia’s bisexuality was intentional; I wanted the story to allow for multiple romantic angles and, notably, to create a lead character whose aspirations don’t revolve around traditional monogamy or a neatly wrapped up “happily ever after.” Though she is passionate about her love interest, she candidly expresses that she’s not searching for a committed relationship. Not all romance needs to culminate in that kind of conclusion. I believe this is a key reason why many rom-coms have lost their charm and are less prevalent in today’s culture. There’s a renaissance of romantic comedies in streaming now, yet hardly any blockbuster films in the genre, plus in literature, there’s a wealth of romance but sparse offerings that put humor at the forefront.
