Alison Bechdel, born on September 10, 1960, is a renowned American cartoonist. Initially gaining fame through her long-standing comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, Bechdel achieved both critical and commercial success with her graphic memoir Fun Home in 2006. This memoir was later adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical in 2015. Furthermore, in 2012, she released her second graphic memoir, Are You My Mother?, further solidifying her impact on the literary world. Bechdel has been acknowledged with a MacArthur "Genius" Award in 2014, marking her as an influential figure in the realm of comics and literature.

Her work Fun Home was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and named one of the best books of 2006 by several prestigious publications. From 1983 to 2008, Bechdel self-syndicated Dykes to Watch Out For, using her alter ego Mo to explore lesbian relationships and stereotypes. Her work is not just limited to comics; Bechdel's influence extends to her political and personal narratives, intertwining the two to reflect on the broader societal context. She has been a significant figure in shaping conversations around the complexities of lesbian relationships, identity, and societal norms.

Her latest book, The Secret to Superhuman Strength (May 2021), delves into the overlap between the personal and political spheres, exploring themes of fitness and self-transcendence through outdoor activities. In addition to her books, Bechdel's comics have been featured in The New Yorker, Slate, McSweeney's, The New York Times Book Review, and Granta. She has been honored with Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships and continues to live and work in Vermont.