Reading provides many people with escape, fresh perspectives, and striking artistic exhibits as a transformative source of transformation in all forms. Both ardent readers and those who occasionally dabble in literature may attest to this. I have grown particularly aware of the significance of equitable representation in literature, especially in the LGBTQ books for young adults, as a person from a working-class family who spent his childhood immersed in any book he could get his hands on.
Giving young adult and adolescent readers access to stories that reflect their own identities is vital, even while representation in literature as a whole is important. Teenagers feel a sense of belonging when they can recognise themselves in stories. The demeaning reality for certain populations is that representation is uneven and that other people's tales are given precedence over those of readers who are marginalised.
Although there has been a significant increase in the number of LGBTQ fantasy novels published by major publishers in recent years, debates about the diversity of these stories and the publishing sector in general continue. The experiences of young LGBTQ people must be portrayed in novels, just like those of their non-LGBTQ friends.
Everybody has the right to see their representation on a page. While almost everyone can relate to the sensation of being attracted to someone and falling madly in love, LGBTQ+ youth should also be represented in the many lovely tales of relationships that have universal moments of love. They have tales that are frequently forgotten, special occasions that should be honoured in a book. Furthermore, love stories ought to include all forms of love. More realistic LGBTQ books for young adults that depict all facets of the community, all forms of attraction, all genders, and all identities are needed.
Consider a child who reads every children's book before moving on to middle school and young adult literature. Imagine reading tales of only heterosexual partnerships, parents who are just straight couples, and no reference to any other identity. People will eventually believe that their attraction is "wrong" or doesn't fit what "should be" as they get older. I have experienced this myself. Seeing the LGBTQ+ experience, however, will make kids feel more accepted, provide them with the same advice about those relationships that other YA books give straight readers, and let them know that their sexuality is completely normal.
Once they reach their adolescence, reading LGBTQ fantasy novels will expose them to an even wider range of fiction and they will feel even more represented.
Check out the Julian Black collection of LGBTQ novels from my website.
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