- Joined
- Nov 15, 2010
- Messages
- 151
- Reaction score
- 11
Hey AWers!
Hopefully that title isn't misleading or insulting -- because that's the last thing I want. Here's what I DO want:
Your opinions on LGBTQIA characters in YA. I read an an article in Writer's Digest about how LGBTQIA characters are vastly underrepresented in YA lit, and as an ally to the cause, I want to change that. I didn't force any sort of sexuality on my characters to make it work for my story; one of them just happened to come out to me, and it worked. It also happens that she's a very powerful and central character, which is great, because I've been pro-equality my entire life. However, I don't want to come off as a buffoon and insult the LGBTQIA community (I suppose I'm part of it if "A" stands for "ally"???). I want to respect the community and its struggles, and I want this character to be realistic. I've found that in almost all of the YA lit I've read, when a character pops up and says, "I'm gay!", it's overdone and feels cringey and forced. My novel is light fantasy, and this culture is 100% pro-equality and a place where sexuality just is and it's not thought of as "wrong" or "unusual" or anything like that. It just simply is what it is, as I personally believe it should be.
So, friends, can you help me figure out how NOT to do this? What drives you crazy about LGBTQIA characters? What feels forced? What do you really like to see? So far, the mention of this character's sexuality was very much in passing, and there's no "ZOMG SHE'S GAY?!?!?!?!" from the narrator. I am seeking to not draw attention to it, because her sexuality doesn't define her, as I don't feel it should define anyone. I want her to be a strong example for LGBTQIA teens and someone they can look up to and relate to. Part of me, though, is feeling this tug between her and a male character as well, so I'm wondering if she's actually bi rather than just lesbian. However, I'm afraid of that being an eye-roller and an insult if she's not just gay. If that makes sense...?
Apologies for any blunders here. I do have LGBTQIA friends, but I don't feel I know enough to not mess this up.
Thanks, everyone!
~Monnrella
Hopefully that title isn't misleading or insulting -- because that's the last thing I want. Here's what I DO want:
Your opinions on LGBTQIA characters in YA. I read an an article in Writer's Digest about how LGBTQIA characters are vastly underrepresented in YA lit, and as an ally to the cause, I want to change that. I didn't force any sort of sexuality on my characters to make it work for my story; one of them just happened to come out to me, and it worked. It also happens that she's a very powerful and central character, which is great, because I've been pro-equality my entire life. However, I don't want to come off as a buffoon and insult the LGBTQIA community (I suppose I'm part of it if "A" stands for "ally"???). I want to respect the community and its struggles, and I want this character to be realistic. I've found that in almost all of the YA lit I've read, when a character pops up and says, "I'm gay!", it's overdone and feels cringey and forced. My novel is light fantasy, and this culture is 100% pro-equality and a place where sexuality just is and it's not thought of as "wrong" or "unusual" or anything like that. It just simply is what it is, as I personally believe it should be.
So, friends, can you help me figure out how NOT to do this? What drives you crazy about LGBTQIA characters? What feels forced? What do you really like to see? So far, the mention of this character's sexuality was very much in passing, and there's no "ZOMG SHE'S GAY?!?!?!?!" from the narrator. I am seeking to not draw attention to it, because her sexuality doesn't define her, as I don't feel it should define anyone. I want her to be a strong example for LGBTQIA teens and someone they can look up to and relate to. Part of me, though, is feeling this tug between her and a male character as well, so I'm wondering if she's actually bi rather than just lesbian. However, I'm afraid of that being an eye-roller and an insult if she's not just gay. If that makes sense...?
Apologies for any blunders here. I do have LGBTQIA friends, but I don't feel I know enough to not mess this up.
Thanks, everyone!
~Monnrella