Gay is IN.. isn't it?

Every time I open a newspaper, turn on the TV or go online, it seems someone famous is coming out.
Yesterday it was Tom Daley.
I watch as more US States accept marriage equality, and yes, I cheer, every freakin' time. More, please. Keep 'em comin'.
I watch on Facebook as the number of groups interested in MM fiction grow. It seems more and more people are reading my genre.
BUT...
I walk into my local branch of Waterstones (bookstore) and you know what? Not one single LGBT book. No, they haven't sold out. There isn't even a shelf set aside for them.
My questions are these:
When will I be able to say that I write gay romantic fiction, or even gay erotic fiction, and not have someone look at me like I've suddenly grown two heads? Don't get me wrong - these days, if someone asks me what I write, I tell them, no hesitation.
When will I be able to walk into a UK bookstore and see my books on the shelf? In the year when 50 Shades of Grey was readily available in supermarkets, is this too much to ask?
Is it asking so much?
I just read through the categories for GR's best books of 2013 - where were the LGBT books? Did I miss them? Were they hidden away in some category somewhere?
What I find really interesting is the winner of the Romance category... This was the one with the M/M plot, right? Well, sort of...
Maybe I'm being impatient. I mean, look how far we've come!
So, until these things come to fruition, I'm going to carry on writing, because I have so many stories inside me, just dying to get out.
2014 is going to be a busy year.
Just so you know...... ;)
14 likes ·   •  11 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 03, 2013 15:00
Comments Showing 1-11 of 11 (11 new)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by Max (new)

Max Vos Well said dear lady! :D


message 2: by Susan (last edited Dec 03, 2013 03:29PM) (new)

Susan Great post! I have been thinking and wondering about this very issue! Do writers in the M/M genre feel unappreciated? Are the companies who give out writing awards, or the bookstores who sell all other kinds of books (so they can't blame it on 'sex' because, for example--one example only; there are heaps--some Mills and Boon novels have as much erotic content as some M/M novels!) embarrassed by the very existence of the M/M genre, perhaps? Or are they maybe adhering to some esoteric 'standard' that in this modern day and age with so many supporters of gay rights--human rights, quite frankly--is really a product of small-mindedness and/or religious intolerance and fanaticism? Thank you, KC, for fighting the good fight towards acceptance by continuing to write wonderful, quality stories in this genre and by being so open about doing so! --SusanMM


message 3: by Dani Elle (new)

Dani Elle Maas great post Miss Wells! hugs


message 4: by Mary (new)

Mary Excellent KC!


message 5: by Chutchy (new)

Chutchy Oh boy, if this makes you write more.....! Just kiddin'

If you go in Barnes and Noble, you MAY find gay-themed books by African studies. I lie yo you not! What the two have in common, I have no earthly idea.

Hopefully, your voice will add to the millions of others and we see a change.

I'm so ignorant, I have to google Tom Daley and see who he is, lol!


message 6: by K.C. (last edited Dec 03, 2013 04:01PM) (new)

K.C. Wells Chutchy wrote: "Oh boy, if this makes you write more.....! Just kiddin'

If you go in Barnes and Noble, you MAY find gay-themed books by African studies. I lie yo you not! What the two have in common, I have n..."


No Barnes and Noble over here in the UK. We have Waterstones, WHSmiths....Did you know there is ONE LGBT bookshop in the UK? It's in London. :(


message 7: by Chutchy (new)

Chutchy That's just a crying shame! Googled Tom Daley, good for him. He's got more guts than us big people. I wish him all the best.

Maybe one day this world will be a better place where there will be no need for anyone to 'come out'. It'll just be accepted like the colour of shoes you decide to wear.

I hate when iPad tries yo auto correct my words like COLOUR!


Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ Excellent post K.C. My local big chain bookstore doesn't have m/m romance either and all the small book stores in the area are gone. :(


message 9: by Tina (new)

Tina I am so looking forward to your busy 2014!


message 10: by Chutchy (new)

Chutchy Glad I'm not the only one looking forward to busy 2014!


message 11: by Lynn (new)

Lynn S. I agree with you 100% -- I read the list too and couldn't believe it -- to not even have a category?


back to top