Laura Gao

Laura Gao is a Chinese-American cartoonist and author, best known for her graphic memoir, Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhan Fluency Kid. Published in 2022, Messy Roots chronicles Gao's experiences growing up as an immigrant in Texas, navigating cultural identity, sexuality, and family relationships. The memoir received critical acclaim for its honest and humorous portrayal of the complexities of the immigrant experience and self-discovery. Gao's work often explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural understanding through a personal and engaging lens. Prior to Messy Roots, Gao gained recognition for her webcomics and illustrations, frequently sharing her experiences as a queer, Asian-American individual. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.