Even though the world is starting to accept LGBTQ+ people more and more, we still do not have enough LGBTQ books for teens. Teenagers, on the verge of discovering their sexuality, often find themselves confused. Coming from a working-class family, I find it very difficult to understand my sexuality. This is the reason why I write books that delve into the themes of fear, suppression, sexuality, family, rage, and torment.
In the writing community, the "own voices" is a major argument. It's a complicated and nuanced discussion, but it has nothing to do with quality per se because we writers use a variety of strategies to continuously immerse ourselves in the lives of others. This has to do with visibility instead.
It is especially potent when LGBTQ+ children witness authors from the same community narrating stories in LGBTQ fiction books. These individuals are similar to them in that they share first-hand, genuine, and authentic stories from their own experiences. These teenagers should be encouraged and made to understand that their lives and stories are meaningful, legitimate, and something to be proud of.
Furthermore, homosexual children need to witness others who are similar to them prospering, holding leadership positions, and having happy lives because they are frequently given the sense that they will always be sad. One of the strongest justifications for own voices books is undoubtedly the promotion of pride and optimism.
Encouraging The Future Generation Of LGBTQ+ Authors
At the same time, the publishing sector requires variety. Although many publishers are working to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ authors, they still need the raw material to start with. Novels with rich, varied experiences are good LGBTQ fiction books.
Gay fiction didn't sell, thus queer writers were rejected for years. The impact of repeatedly turning away a group of people cannot be disregarded. Those folks eventually cease showing up. For the upcoming generation of LGBTQ+ writers to understand that their tales matter and are desired, they must witness others just like them succeeding on a grassroots level.
Teens who identify as gay need and deserve their heroes in LGBTQ books for teens. An autobiography can be the difference between a well-intentioned act of pity and a sincere bond based on a common experience. And that can mean the world to the children who believe they are.
Check out Julian Black’s website and you will find several different books about suppression, sexuality and family dynamics.
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