Why I Write LGBTQ Stories
There are a million reasons, but today I want to share a bit of my journey as a writer and why I consciously choose to include LGBTQ stories into all of my manuscripts. As a queer individual, this choice is deeply personal and ultimately rooted in my own experiences, but it’s also because I believe representation matters. As both a writer and a reader, I appreciate seeing LGBTQ characters and stories.
Writing LGBTQ stories shouldn’t be a political thing, but unfortunately it is to many people. That said, that’s not how I approach it. For me, it’s simply a reflection of the diverse realities of the world we already live in. Our communities are vibrant, rich in experiences, and encompass a spectrum of identities and stories, and I believe they all deserve to be told. I just happen to be queer. Same with my characters.
Growing up, finding LGBTQ characters in literature was damn near impossible. Visibility within literature (and all media) validates the existence of queer individuals, providing a sense of belonging and normalizing diverse identities. I write LGBTQ stories to contribute to the visibility that empowers and validates readers who might be seeking reflections of their own experiences. Obviously I can’t (and wouldn’t) speak for the entire LGBTQ community; I just want to be one more person sharing stories that might connect with other queer folks, in all our various presentations.
Queer characters in literature have often been confined to stereotypes or portrayed through narrow lenses. Writing LGBTQ stories allows me to challenge and break free from these limiting depictions. Each character is an opportunity to showcase the depth, complexity, and uniqueness of queer individuals, hopefully challenging stereotypes and offering a more authentic representation. We’re just human beings after all, and in my stories I tend to avoid coming out stories or queer pain. Instead, I’m focused on normalizing us by creating awesome characters who just so happen to be super gay. I love imagining a brighter more beautiful world where we all get to be ourselves, and it’s not such a big deal.
Stories have the power to bridge gaps and cultivate empathy. By placing the reading into the lives of LGBTQ characters, readers can gain insights into different perspectives, experiences, and challenges they otherwise may never have reason to explore. This allows for a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ community, promoting empathy and breaking down barriers that stem from ignorance or misconceptions. While my primary (personal) reason for writing these stories is for LGBTQ people to see themselves on the page, this is a welcome side effect in larger society.
Love is universal, and LGBTQ love stories deserve to be celebrated alongside any others. Writing about diverse love experiences contributes to the normalization of LGBTQ relationships. Whether it's a heartwarming romance, a family drama, or the narratives that arise from exploring identities, each story is a celebration of love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and everything in between. And when LGBTQ stories are included in literature, it becomes a source of inspiration for young readers who can see themselves reflected in the pages. Representation in literature contributes to a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. As cliche as that might sound, it’s really important to me that I put out art that shows all kinds of people. I have three children, two of whom identify somewhere outside of cis/het. I want them to grow up in a world where they are seen living, loving, and thriving just like any other person.
As a queer individual, my own experiences and identity naturally influence my writing. Choosing to include LGBTQ stories is a way of authentically representing a part of who I am. It's an acknowledgment of my own journey, struggles, triumphs, and the importance of having narratives that resonate with my authentic self. To not write LGBTQ characters would be to deny a part of myself, and I don’t do that anymore.
Happy reading!
