As with any type of character development, writing LGBT+ characters requires research. I sometimes refer to LGBT+ as gay in this post. A lot of stereotypes around gay people make it into stories written by straight authors–the token gay friend, for example. But just as you have to research what slang words a teenage boy used in 1970, or what food a Somali refugee eats, you need to research the details of LGBT+ culture to create a realistic character.
I’m a strong believer in getting information from the source–the person with the lived experience. As a cis straight woman, I’m not a good resource. Instead, I want to point you to several articles written by LGBT+ people who generously offer their perspective on writing gay characters.
Resources for Writing LGBT+ Characters
Ashley Lauren Rogers writes about four pitfalls to avoid when writing trans characters in sci fi and fantasy, namely,
- Don’t conflate gender, sex, and sexuality;
- Don’t write trans characters who are always downtrodden;
- Trans and nonbinary folks are more than their gender identity; and
- Trans people are not out to deceive you.
Lisa Freeman writes about six pitfalls to avoid when writing LGBTQIA+ characters in teen fiction:
- Don’t be invasive in your writing and research;
- Avoid stereotypes;
- Don’t be afraid to create an emotional connection with your character;
- Don’t try to protect your queer darlings;
- Don’t make everything about sexual identity; and
- Don’t skimp on the backstory.
Finally, tumblr’s miss turdle has a brilliant compilation of resources for writing LGBT+ characters with articles ranging from “How to write gay characters in mainstream fiction” to “Writing lesbians when you’re not a lesbian.” Highly recommend checking these sites out.
To close, I want to leave you with this thought by Lee Mandelo:
“If you’re writing queer characters you need to have an awareness in the text of the social climate, even if the story is not ‘about’ homophobia or transphobia or their attendant violence.”
Language is powerful, which is why stories are powerful. Use that power to create LGBT+ characters that show the complexity, depth, love, passion, and everything else that makes up any person. Happy Pride!
