What do you mostly find when you walk into a library or scroll through a book website? Love stories with a prince and a princess, a rugged hero saving the girl, or a picture-perfect heteronormative family. But what about everyone else? Where are the gay princes, the nonbinary adventurers, or the lesbian scientists discovering new worlds? It’s 2024, and we’re all asking the same question: Why isn’t literature always LGBQT-friendly?
Spoiler alert: It can be. It should be. In this blog, we will break it down and explain why this matters for everyone—it doesn’t matter who you love or how you identify with. Let’s explore why this is such a big deal and what can be done to change it.
What Does “LGBQT Friendly” Mean?
Okay, so first, what’s “LGBQT-friendly” literature? Its stories include characters, relationships, and experiences that positively represent the LGBQT community. This might be a relationship between two boys, a nonbinary person figuring out their place in the world, or a transgender superhero finding his love while fighting against his foes.
It goes beyond merely sticking a rainbow sticker on a book. It means creating stories that:
- Represent: Show LGBQT people in a real, positive, and meaningful way.
- Respect: Treat their lives and struggles with care, avoiding stereotypes.
- Reflect reality: Capture the diversity of the world that we live in.
Books that are LGBQT-friendly chronicle all kinds of love, identities, and experiences. It’s not about making it a big deal. It’s about normalizing it.
LGBQT-friendly literature covers tales that are as rich, complex, and human as any other book available. The bonus? It reflects everyone’s lives, not just the same straight narratives we’ve been reading for centuries.
Why is Most Literature Focused on Straight Characters?
Let’s get real: history is a big part of the issue. For hundreds of years, authors wrote what society deemed “acceptable.” Back then, that meant stories about heterosexual (straight) characters because they aligned with traditional beliefs. Anything outside that was ignored, hidden, or labeled “controversial.”
Fast-forward to now, and while things have improved (thank you, Heartstopper and Red, White & Royal Blue), many books still center on heterosexual characters. It’s not just about history. Even today, there are reasons why LGBQT-friendly literature hasn’t taken over.
- Publishing Bias: Publishers want “safe” stories that sell and appeal to the largest audience possible. Historically, they thought straight stories = big sales. Taking a chance on LGBQT stories felt risky.
- Lack of Representation: fewer LGBQT authors meant fewer LGBQT stories. There haven’t been enough LGBQT authors or stories in the mainstream spotlight.
- Social Norms and Censorship: Some places in the world still consider LGBQT topics taboo or even dangerous, which influences what gets published, especially for global audiences.
Why LGBQT-Friendly Literature Matters?
You already know why representation is essential if you have ever read a novel and thought, “Wow, this character gets me.” For LGBQT readers, seeing themselves in a story can be life-changing.
- It is Empowering.
Consider yourself a teen figuring out your identity. Then you stumble across a book in which the protagonist—exactly like you—is either simply thriving, looking for love, or confronting similar challenges. That connection can be life-changing.
- It Builds Empathy.
Books are like windows; they are portals into someone else’s life. When straight readers delve into LGBQT stories, they discover the struggles, joys, and humanity of LGBQT people. It’s about opening minds and hearts, not “teaching lessons.”
- It Reflects Real Life.
The world isn’t just straight people! For a long time, LGBQT people were invisible in mainstream stories. Representation clarifies: You’re here, you matter, and your story is worth telling. Literature should reflect the real diversity of human experiences.
- It Normalizes Diversity.
When LGBQT characters are prominent, it sends a message that being LGBQT is normal, valid, and worth celebrating.
What’s Holding Back Progress?
While progress is being made, there’s still a lot to tackle. Here are some hurdles that need addressing:
Stereotypes and Tropes
How many times have you seen the gay best friend who’s just there for comic relief? Or the tragic LGBQT character who only exists to suffer? These tired tropes don’t reflect real lives and need to go.
Lack of Diversity Within Diversity
Even within LGBQT literature, some identities get more spotlight than others. Stories about gay men are more common than those about nonbinary or transgender characters, for example. Intersectionality—where race, culture, and other factors mix with queerness—is also often overlooked.
Censorship Battles
In some regions, books with LGBQT themes face outright bans or censorship. This doesn’t just hurt readers there—it also stifles global progress.
Books That Get It Right
Here’s a quick shout-out to several books that have absolutely nailed being LGBQT-friendly:
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: A lovely coming-out narrative with lots of humor.
- Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender: A love tale starring a Black, gay, and transgender teen.
- They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera: Heartbreaking but so incredibly written
- Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: A sweet, coming-of-age romance between two lads that’s honest and full of heart.
- Aiden Thomas’s novel Cemetery Boys: A genre-defined fantasy boasting a transgender Latino protagonist.
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: An elegant recreation of Greek mythology with a love story at its heart
- These books show that LGBQT-friendly stories can be thrilling, emotional, dramatic, unforgettable, and everything in between.
What’s Changing?
There’s good news! LGBQT tales are gradually being embraced in the literary world. Here’s how:
The Rise of Indie Authors:
Self-publishing platforms have allowed LGBQT authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers. These authors are creating fresh, authentic stories and finding dedicated audiences.
Social Media Power:
Bookstagram, BookTok, and Goodreads have become game-changers for LGBQT literature. A single viral post can make a book a bestseller, putting power in the hands of readers, not publishers.
Big Names Stepping Up:
Some significant publishers are finally giving LGBQT stories the attention they deserve. While it’s long overdue, it’s still a win worth celebrating.
How YOU Can Make a Difference?
Whether you’re LGBQT or a supporter, you can help create a world where inclusion in literary art goes forward and inclusivity thrives.
- Buy Diverse Books: Money Talks! Supporting LGBQT-friendly literature shows publishers that these stories are in demand.
- Review and Recommend: If you love a book, share it on social media or recommend it to a friend. Word of mouth is powerful.
- Advocate for Change: Push for more inclusive books in your school, library, or community.
The Future of LGBQT Literature: What’s Next?
So, where do we go from here? The future of LGBQT-friendly literature looks promising, and there are still plenty of things to write. Here are some trends and goals for the next chapter:
More Diverse Stories
The LGBQT community isn’t a monolith. The next wave of literature must embrace various identities, cultures, and experiences. Think books about queer characters in fantasy worlds, sci-fi epics, or even cozy mysteries.
Global Representation
LGBQT stories shouldn’t just focus on Western experiences. Readers deserve to see characters from all over the world navigating their unique cultural landscapes.
Breaking Genre Barriers
Many LGBQT stories were limited to romance or young adult fiction for years. While those genres are fantastic, it’s time to venture into everything from historical fiction to thrillers.
Normalizing Inclusion
The goal is for LGBQT representation to become so natural that we don’t even consider it. We will know that we have made it when these stories stop being “special” and start to become just “stories.”
In essence, why does this matter more than ever?
Because the books and literature we read and experience represent ‘who we are’ and ‘who we wish’ to be. If literature or books add only heterosexual personas and do not represent everyone else, it’s broken. The writing of LGBQT-friendly books is about infusing a richer, more meaningful world for readers everywhere, and it is not only about enclosure.
The good news is that change is happening, and you can participate in it. Whether your passion is reading, writing, or simply enjoying a grand narrative, you can shape the future of literature. Go forward, read fearlessly, write boldly, and demand stories that include your gender and persona.
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should novels feature LGBQT representation?
LGBQT representation is essential since it lets readers—especially young people—know they are not alone. When someone finds their identity or challenges mirrored in a narrative, they may feel validated and understood. Representation also improves empathy and understanding among those outside the LGBQT community. It’s about forging a better, more connected world, not only about inclusivity.
2. Aren’t there already enough LGBQT books?
Not at all! LGBQT-friendly books still make up just a small fraction of the market, even if there has been progress. Some identities—like asexual, intersex, or nonbinary characters—also are relatively rare. The goal isn’t just to have some LGBQT books—to ensure these stories are as common and celebrated as any other.
3. How can I find good LGBQT-friendly books?
Start with trusted platforms like Goodreads or follow hashtags like #LGBQTBooks on social media. Indie authors and small presses are also fantastic sources for diverse stories. You can also ask your local bookstore or library for recommendations—many are actively working to stock inclusive titles.
4. What should authors avoid when writing LGBQT characters?
Avoid stereotypes and tokenism. Don’t make your LGBQT characters flat or one-dimensional. Give them real personalities, hopes, and flaws like any other character. Also, avoid using their identity as the story’s sole focus—let them exist as full, complex people.
5. How can non-LGBQT authors write these stories respectfully?
Research and empathy are essential. Speak with LGBQT people, read stories about their experiences, and hire sensitive readers. Allow feedback and be eager to grow. Writing with respect and care is a must, especially if it’s outside of your own experience.
