LGBTQH
LGBTQ, an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning, is meant to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. So what is LGBTQ literature? I have struggled with this for years.
It can mean a storyline that addresses, incorporates or touches on sexual orientation, gender identity or LGBTQ issues. In this sense, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (TEOM) would definitely be an LGBTQ genre novel. One of the three principal protagonists exploring his sexual identity and preferences would be considered bisexual. A second is openly gay in a Sci-Fu (science-based futuring) world where borders blur even further than today. The third, a young woman, is an admitted heterosexual, but still exploring. This diversity allows for interesting sub-vignettes that should resound with a variety of readers. Fiction or disguised non-fiction?
It can mean the work is written for an LGBTQ target audience. TEOM isn’t; instead its written for a wider readership interested in enduring literature “with a twist” that expands the readers’ Weltanauung (world point-of-view). While many novels typically target US 8th grade educated women, TOEM was written for first year college level and above adults.
It can also mean the author is LGBTQ. I find this category particularly challenging. For example, does it mean the author publicly identifies as such? Or while not public, still does so privately? Is an “undecided” author LGBTQ? And what of an author “open” to exploration? Finally, what about someone who has experienced a situation that, if voluntary, would be categorized such? Me, I’m “open” to all of the above and more. In the future, perhaps the acronym will be LGBTQH (or HLGBTQ) where “H” stands for heterosexual.
By any of the above, THE EDGE OF MADNESS fearlessly explores the diverse range of gender identities, sexual orientation, and sexually oriented relationships possible. Add that it’s also a socio-political thriller, adventure and romance, and that It does this solidly within the Savant/Aignos publishing requirement of no gratuitous violence or sex, something of which I’m particularly proud. Soon to be an audiobook read by Peter Pollock. Optioned by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatment.
The Edge of Madness
It can mean a storyline that addresses, incorporates or touches on sexual orientation, gender identity or LGBTQ issues. In this sense, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (TEOM) would definitely be an LGBTQ genre novel. One of the three principal protagonists exploring his sexual identity and preferences would be considered bisexual. A second is openly gay in a Sci-Fu (science-based futuring) world where borders blur even further than today. The third, a young woman, is an admitted heterosexual, but still exploring. This diversity allows for interesting sub-vignettes that should resound with a variety of readers. Fiction or disguised non-fiction?
It can mean the work is written for an LGBTQ target audience. TEOM isn’t; instead its written for a wider readership interested in enduring literature “with a twist” that expands the readers’ Weltanauung (world point-of-view). While many novels typically target US 8th grade educated women, TOEM was written for first year college level and above adults.
It can also mean the author is LGBTQ. I find this category particularly challenging. For example, does it mean the author publicly identifies as such? Or while not public, still does so privately? Is an “undecided” author LGBTQ? And what of an author “open” to exploration? Finally, what about someone who has experienced a situation that, if voluntary, would be categorized such? Me, I’m “open” to all of the above and more. In the future, perhaps the acronym will be LGBTQH (or HLGBTQ) where “H” stands for heterosexual.
By any of the above, THE EDGE OF MADNESS fearlessly explores the diverse range of gender identities, sexual orientation, and sexually oriented relationships possible. Add that it’s also a socio-political thriller, adventure and romance, and that It does this solidly within the Savant/Aignos publishing requirement of no gratuitous violence or sex, something of which I’m particularly proud. Soon to be an audiobook read by Peter Pollock. Optioned by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatment.
The Edge of Madness
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