Question about LGBT novels

[Anonymous]

I'm a straight, cisgender writer and I'm including LGBT couples in a novel I'm writing - the main "romance" in my story is between two women. There are also some transgender characters and gay males. I should note that this is set in a medieval-like fantasy world, but without medieval prejudices.

I really want to portray LGBT romance respectfully and well. A common complaint I've heard about LGBT romance novels is that LGBT people don't always want to read about "coming out of the closet" angst and identity angst - they want to read about LGBT characters who are fully present with themselves and comfortable with themselves. I was wondering if there are any other "dos" and "don'ts" about LGBT romance portrayals that you expect to see in novels. Any pet peeves that you never want to see again? What offends you or makes you roll your eyes or doesn't ring true for you?

Any feedback at all would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I've seen straight writers make a presumption that lgbt characters need to verify that others are lgbt. In real life, particularly with romantic partners, you both just know from first glance. Nothing further is required.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've seen straight writers make a presumption that lgbt characters need to verify that others are lgbt. In real life, particularly with romantic partners, you both just know from first glance. Nothing further is required.

First glance? Every time? Hmm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've seen straight writers make a presumption that lgbt characters need to verify that others are lgbt. In real life, particularly with romantic partners, you both just know from first glance. Nothing further is required.

First glance? Every time? Hmm.

To someone I am physically attracted to and who is physically attracted to me? Yeah, always. Can't you tell when someone is attracted to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've seen straight writers make a presumption that lgbt characters need to verify that others are lgbt. In real life, particularly with romantic partners, you both just know from first glance. Nothing further is required.

First glance? Every time? Hmm.

To someone I am physically attracted to and who is physically attracted to me? Yeah, always. Can't you tell when someone is attracted to you?

I guess I'm not as perceptive as you, but maybe coming out later in life has made me more cautious.

[Anonymous]

In the real world not every gay person recognizes every other gay person every time. Often? Sure. Always? No. Please don't write that into your novel, OP.

[Anonymous]

Killing lesbians or gay characters!

Having overly angsty stuff caused by being gay that straight characters wouldn't face... i.e.- it can't just be a happy blissful relationship, they always have to be fighting these battles because of being gay. That gets exhausting after a while especially when its a fantasy world

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a straight, cisgender writer and I'm including LGBT couples in a novel I'm writing - the main "romance" in my story is between two women. There are also some transgender characters and gay males. I should note that this is set in a medieval-like fantasy world, but without medieval prejudices.

I really want to portray LGBT romance respectfully and well. A common complaint I've heard about LGBT romance novels is that LGBT people don't always want to read about "coming out of the closet" angst and identity angst - they want to read about LGBT characters who are fully present with themselves and comfortable with themselves. I was wondering if there are any other "dos" and "don'ts" about LGBT romance portrayals that you expect to see in novels. Any pet peeves that you never want to see again? What offends you or makes you roll your eyes or doesn't ring true for you?

Any feedback at all would be appreciated. Thank you!

Read contemporary LGBTQ writers. And read lots of them! Just because you are straight doesn't mean you can't write LGBTQ stories. I'm a lesbian writer, most of my characters are straight .

Ask LGBTQ people to read your drafts. You show me yours, I show you mine!

[Anonymous]

Here's the thing - if you perceive them as humans with human emotions and reactions to different situations, sexuality doesn't always have to play a part. I'm a woman who has been married to my wife for 8 years - we've been together for over 11 years. The shit we go through is pretty typical stuff - trying to find time for each other while working full time and having a child. There are aspects of our life that are certainly particular to being gay - fertility struggles aren't the same as those of heterosexual couples, for example.

I think if you just write about interesting characters in interesting situations and avoid the sort of clichéd conflict that was alluded to in a previous post (like gay characters being murdered, or committing suicide, or realizing that they aren't actually gay and can have their happily ever after with someone of the opposite sex), then you'll have success. Also, why not get to know some interesting LGBT folks and pull from their own lives and experiences?

[Anonymous]

Lesbian here - and don't use the book to 'teach' straight people. I know people loved "Sing Me Home" by Jodi Picoult, but it felt like a 'how to lesbians get pregnant and what are the legal risks associated with it' lesson couched in a lesbian love story.