Removing Gay Characters from Young Adult Novels

The Lonely One · Sep 30, 2011

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/genreville/?p=1519

I heard this on NPR the other day and it caught my attention. They don't offer the story on their website that I can find, but above is a link that explains the gist of the story.

An agent from a major agency, one which represents a bestselling YA novel in the same genre as ours, called us.

The agent offered to sign us on the condition that we make the gay character straight, or else remove his viewpoint and all references to his sexual orientation...

...Forcing all major characters in YA novels into a straight white mold is a widespread, systemic problem which requires long-term, consistent action.

Thoughts?

KTC · Sep 30, 2011

This was proven to be a lie.

The Lonely One · Sep 30, 2011

Really? Recently? Not sure why NPR picked up the story, then :/

Can you provide a story or link? I'm quite interested in this topic, even though I don't write YA necessarily.

DeadlyAccurate · Sep 30, 2011

http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2011/09/guest-blogger-joanna-stampfel-volpe.html

Amadan · Sep 30, 2011

KTC said:
This was proven to be a lie.

Was it? I thought the authors are standing by their version of the story.

ETA: Just read those links. Huh -- it does look pretty damning for those authors.

The Lonely One · Sep 30, 2011

DeadlyAccurate said:
http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2011/09/guest-blogger-joanna-stampfel-volpe.html

Thank you! Good to hear both sides of the story.

eqb · Sep 30, 2011

For a more accurate picture of what happened, or at least more information, read these posts:

http://cleolinda.livejournal.com/993710.html

http://swan-tower.livejournal.com/489896.html

And for some stats on YA publishing:

http://www.malindalo.com/2011/09/i-...-lgbt-young-adult-books-published-in-the-u-s/

James D. Macdonald · Sep 30, 2011

KTC said:
This was proven to be a lie.

Widely discussed, and no lie.

The agency took the low road.

ChaosTitan · Sep 30, 2011

There's already a five-page discussion on this topic here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224648

Soccer Mom · Sep 30, 2011

Going to lock this thread since we've had the other thread going for several weeks. See the above post for a link to that thread.

Removing Gay Characters from Young Adult Novels

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

DeadlyAccurate

Absolutely Fazed

Amadan

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

eqb

I write novels

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

ChaosTitan

Around

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist