#WeNeedDiverseBooks, So Let’s Support the Ones We Already Have so More Can Exist

There’s been a tag going around on Twitter for the past few days, called #WeNeedDiverseBooks, about the lack of diverse characters (queer/POC/disabled/poly/etc.), and how we need these diverse characters in our fiction.

It seems unfair for me to say that I’m not a big fan of viral social media campaigns like this. It’s not to say that I don’t think they serve a purpose: I know that a lot of queer teens right now, for example, are breathing a little sigh of relief and are really fucking happy that a ton of people are coming out in support saying they want more queer fiction. And, obviously, for the people unaware of the problem that we need diverse characters, it’s nice to have this talked about.

But the root of my discomfort with the tag is that a lot of people are saying over and over again that we need diverse characters. The problem with that is that publishers and authors don’t operate on a “this would be really wonderful to have, why don’t we have it?” model. They operate on sales.

There’s a reason that only ten percent of YA last year had a POC lead and there were only sixteen LGBT YA books published by major publishers last year. Publishers respond to sales, pure and simple. Authors write things that they think publishers might possibly want to publish. The cycle continues.

And it can be broken by a very simple action:

Read and buy and ask your library to get copies of YA books that contain diverse characters. Talk about the books as much, if not more than you would a YA that has a straight, white, able-bodied lead.

I would love, love, love for this tag to evolve into really positive actions in this industry. I would love to see more diverse books published. I would love for publishers to not tell me that American kids wouldn’t read the type of books I write, no matter how well written they are (which they did).

We can change this. You and I can change this. If this tag moves you, go out and buy a diverse book. If you don’t have funds, ask your library to get a copy of a diverse book. The only way the publishing industry will change is if we put our money or our actions (or both) where our mouths are:

Let’s make a difference and read and celebrate and talk about diverse books and support the hell out of them. And the world will change. For the better.

Comment with a diverse book that you can buy/ask your library system to get if they don’t have it.

Read Ascension by J. Koyanagi about a queer POC who’s a really fucking good sky surgeon. Read The Hierophant by Madeline Claire Franklin, with a lesbian POC who is one of the best characters I’ve ever read. Read Seven by Jennifer Diemer, about two women who save themselves and fall in love. Read Ash by Malinda Lo about a girl who finds the courage to live her own fairy tale. Read by Kelly Quindlen about the bravery to love someone. Read the the Urban Wolf series by Naomi Clark, about strength and lesbian werewolves and love.

Ask your library to get copies of Project Unicorn and Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin and Beauty Queens by Libba Bray.

Talk about your favorite diverse book using the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag and everywhere else you can think of.

Because we really fucking need diverse books. And we can make this happen together.