Diversity Embraced as the Norm in the Deep, Deep Future

[Quoleena]

Hey all,

I haven't posted in the group in ages, but I have a question. Based on some comments and reviews I've seen around GR, my question might be touchy for some, but to be honest, it boggles my mind that it would be (to state it amicably), but then maybe I'm just a naive optimist.

My YA series is set in the deep future with a new species of humans. They're much more evolved than we are in many ways, one being viewing diversity as the unquestionable norm.

But this isn't the question.

In the first book, I make mention of a gay couple, who's friends with the MC's parents. It's in passing, because it's as normal as day or night to these future humans. In fact, no one even uses racial distinctions for each other. It's just a matter of describing someone's skin tone and leaving it at that. Eg my MC has "deep tan" skin. Don't know what her ethnicity/race is because I didn't care to distinguish it.

In the second book, I introduce new characters, one who has a larger role in the last one that I'm currently writing. She's a lesbian, and later in book 3, we discover that another character from book one is actually bi-sexual.

(Side note: this isn't a romantic YA series, and I purposefully don't describe my MC as pretty. In fact, the only person who says she is is a raunchy, disgusting bad guy in book 2 - intentionally, so it could come off like maybe he'd think that about any female face.)

I've read some debates about whether an author should indicate if there are lgbt+ characters. Since it's YA, there's definite expressions of feelings and crushes, but there's no true romantic story line, regardless of sexual orientation.

So, finally, here's my question:

As the author, do you think I need to indicate in tags etc that there is a lesbian character in book 3 and identification of a bi-sexual character? From what I see on GR, it seems some readers can get upset if they don't know this upfront, only to find out as they read it.

I take issue with my even asking this question. As someone who gets put in the "other" box by being a brown-skinned person, I find it absurd. When people ask me what my nationality is (and I know they actually mean to say ethnicity), I say, "I'm American." I want to add, "I didn't realize being a native Coloradan that I speak with an exotic accent." The next time someone "others" me, I'm going to say, "I hate to disappoint you, but I'm 100% human being. So are my multi-'racial' kids if you're wondering."

Same goes for the lgbt+ community, but beyond sadly, some people just can't accept this truth: we're born who we are. An lgbt+ person can't change that fact just like no one can change their ethnicity.

So should I be concerned with certain...sensitivities...of some readers and tag it, even if all my characters are just people being people, teens being teens, crushes and all? If anything, I should tag it as mild-hetero romance, since the MC likes a guy in book one and kisses a completely different guy in book two. (She may even kiss a guy again before the series is done.)
To the mods: if you think this might stir up anything negative, please delete it, since I'd utterly hate for that to happen.

[L.C.]

Quoleena wrote: "Hey all,

I haven't posted in the group in ages, but I have a question. Based on some comments and reviews I've seen around GR, my question might be touchy for some, but to be honest, it boggles my..."

Omg I COMPLETELY understand what you mean. As a YA author myself, I make it my goal to include as much diversity as I can. Sometimes I'll say what their race or sexuality is, sometimes I just mention skin tone and leave it up to the readers' imagination. I do admit that as a person, I'm just naturally curious and I may ask people their background but only because I think it's the coolest thing ever. I celebrate those kinds of differences because I think everyone is beautiful which is why I don't want to make it a big deal in the books I write unless it's important to the plot.

Leaving my personal feelings aside, I don't think you need tags. If you don't think it's a big deal, then don't do it. These are your books and you can do whatever you want with them.

[R.S.]

I just finished off a 6 book series I worked on all last year and in my minds eye one of the main supporting characters was black and I realized at the end that I'd never mentioned that. I started to call it out (it was in a journal format so the guy would have read it and seen it was never mentioned) by having a scene towards the end where the guy would say one of the reasons the main character was cool was because he had never felt the need to mention it. Which made me realize I didn't think I really needed to mention it either. If that makes sense! Of course, now no one will ever know but me...

The second book in the series the first half of it revolves around a gay ex military motorcycle gang escaping fantasy fest... They're pretty much exactly like a straight group of veterans once they get in the zone and start escaping...

All that to say I believe diversity will be ubiquitous at some point in the near future. I think it will come to some countries faster than others and some lifestyles will be tolerated more quickly than others.

Look how far we've come in the USA in just a few generations. A crazy amount of difference as far as diversity and acceptance goes. My kids could care less what color/race/religion or whatever someone is. It doesn't even really come up except maybe to describe someone so you'll recognize them.

[R.S.]

These are your books and you can do whatever you want with them. From LC

That about sums it up!

[Quoleena]

Thanks to you both for commenting!

It has come a long way, and there's still a long way to go, but I agree that the future looks bright for the acceptance of diversity.

I guess I'll just go with the notion that if some people take issue with it, then it is what it is, the end. I really appreciate it ;)

Thanks for offering your opinions!