Why do LGBTQ+ characters matter in dystopian fiction? > Likes and Comments

Hi everyone! I'm Leonardo, a new Goodreads member from Argentina and an indie author currently translating my debut novel into English. While writing my dystopian novel, LUCIEN, I kept asking myself one question:

Why do LGBTQ+ characters feel so powerful in dystopian stories?

To me, it's because dystopias are often about control. They try to decide how people should think, live, and even love. That's why a character who simply chooses to be themselves can become an act of resistance. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Which LGBTQ+ character has stayed with you the most, and why?

Happy reading! :)

Leonardo wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Leonardo, a new Goodreads member from Argentina and an indie author currently translating my debut novel into English. While writing my dystopian novel, LUCIEN, I kept asking mysel..."

Interesting thought. I'm not a fan of dystopian fiction, but in general I think LGBTQ characters can provide an anti-establishment hero to cheer for in a world that too often gives power to authoritarians.

Thank you, Kaje, I really like your perspective. I hadn't thought about it in exactly those words, but I agree that LGBTQ+ characters often become symbols of resistance simply by refusing to conform to what an authoritarian world expects of them. That's one of the ideas I wanted to explore while writing LUCIEN, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I write as well and I think, as long as the character's motivations and qualities (including orientation or whatever) contribute to the story, then that's the best way to look at this question or statement and what people think of the LGBT (I won't write the rest. Sorry.)...community; anyway... that is where a gay or trans character could help a dystopian story move along.

That being said, that's how I feel about ALL genres. If being gay or trans adds to the story and not just the character, they are a wonderful addition to any story. It just makes me sad that, even if I put one minor gay character in my story, there are certain people that won't read it or get super angry. And on the other side. If I put God in a story/book, there's an issue with the other side. I do love this question and being gay or writing gay characters is definitely something I find important. I just hate the overwhelming influx of gay lit recently. A lot of them are bad... I just wish we could get something that is quality. My favorite (not dystopian), but SWIMMING IN THE DARK by Tomasz Jedrowski is one of the most beautiful and tragic stories of Poland in the 80's and two queer characters. Jedrowski decided to make his prose without too much se* and I'm 100% on board with this. If 50% of your book is hookups, you aren't a writer. I wouldn't have wanted to read that until I was an adult, and, even then, I'd rather read about real love than.. that.

Sorry! I got off on a tangent! THANKS FOR THE QUESTION! It's very unique and So cool :) (I wish I had books about gay teens when I was one :(.. Eh, c'est la vie!).

Jeff wrote: "I write as well and I think, as long as the character's motivations and qualities (including orientation or whatever) contribute to the story, then that's the best way to look at this question or s..."

Thank you, Jeff! I really enjoyed reading your perspective, I especially liked what you said about characters feeling authentic rather than symbolic. As a writer, that's something I think about a lot. Also, thanks for recommending Swimming in the Dark.
I've added it to my TBR!

The last YA dystopian book I read was "If Tomorrow Doesn't Come, by Jen St. Jude." It's about a girl who, just before she can take her life, realizes the world is about to end in nine days. It's a great LGBTQ book about finding reasons to keep going and it's very wholesome.

I never thought about the importance of LGBTQ characters in dystopian spaces, but you make an amazing point! This book really gives those themes of reclamation and support.

Dystopian books are generally set "after" (after a disaster, after an economic collapse, after an oppressive regime takeover, etc) so I think it also reassuring to LGBTQ+ readers to see LGBTQ+ characters surviving, and often even being to find some happiness or create some improvement for others, despite severe obstacles.