I remember taking a course on the psychosocial issues of HIV, and learned about the different issues surrounding the LGBT community. From political discrimination, to religious and societal prejudice, there’s no doubt that in the past this group has been ostracized. However, in that class, I’ve seen my fellow classmates stick up for the LGBT community, and defend them from any criticisms, to the point where they do make fun of people who have different opinions. 

It’s clear that many people are also trying to include the LGBT community in the arts, especially in literature. So why should writers include an LGBT character? Why should we write about them, even though they may not contribute to the plot? 

Normalizing different sexual orientations In Loving Lakyn by Charlotte Reagan, a boy named Lakyn manages to overcome his depression with the help of his friends and family. Books like this show that although their sexual orientation did serve as a plot point in the story, it wasn’t the main one. Authors like Reagan have shown that although the orientation is different, it’s also just that, an orientation. Like a romance subplot to a mystery book, it’s a part of the character, like a hand, or even an arm. 

Introducing drama Even if it is normal, there are going to be people who treat it like an oddity, a disease, or even an immoral act. This can be seen from Southern Gothic books, some of which do deal with LGBT issues. From being thrown out of the house, to being shunned by a family member, to even being ostracized by an entire community, these situations can be explored through LGBT characters. For example, in My Ladybird Story by Magus Tor, a young man named John has to go through the conflict of identifying as a woman, and shows just how, through family and friends, he could overcome his self-esteem issues and be who he is. His situation was incredibly unique. The story may not have had the depth it had if it were told by someone else. 

Reminding us what matters Whenever a character reveals a part of themselves, whether it be identity issues or sexual orientation, there are certain reactions they expect from people when they first tell them. Disgust, supportiveness, perhaps even happiness or fear; it says a lot about the story when the character’s closest friends leave them. However, it’s the same way when their friends accept them. Through the character’s difficulties, it shows us just where our prejudices lie, and who the character’s real friends and family are. It’s an accurate illustration of real life, and the lessons we have to painfully learn as we mature. 

LGBT literature has grown popular over the past few years. There’s a separate sub genre in romance dedicated to the LGBT community. Publishers, big and small alike, like reading about these characters because they offer a different perspective on many topics, including social justice, horror, and romance. Literary journals may prioritize topics concerning the LGBT over others because they want to show just how much the world has changed. To be honest, it’s pretty encouraging in and of itself. By being more inclusive, the amount of literature, both fiction and nonfiction alike, has grown. We can learn more from different writers, as well as lessons that could make our stories even richer than they already are.