Are we widening the portrayal of LGBTQ characters in YA books? Enough?

[J.S.]

My novel, Twisted, deals with a gender switch although I wouldn't classify it in any way as a transgendered novel. Lindsay versus the Marauders (coming this June/July) has a lesbian as the main character, but the romance between her and the other MC is more of a subplot. Great action, but there's romance, too, and a nice little message about being what you are added in. Have finished writing the rough draft of Picture (im)perfect in which the MC has a transgendered girlfriend and the fallout that ensues once she's outed online.

I see nothing wrong with having/including gay/bi/transgendered characters in novels, either as the MC(s) or as peripheral characters. I think it's great. It shows the diversity of society whether the story is set in contemporary times or in a dystopian one.

The problem arises, IMHO, when the concept of "us vs them" is introduced. The message of inclusiveness and acceptance IS important, but to me, it has to be conveyed with subtlety and not overtness, if that makes any sense. JMO...

[Rainbowheart]

Kaje, thanks, that sounds interesting!