Sometimes we underestimate the power of books. Even though I’ve been reading and writing for most of my life, I am still not immune to forgetting the power of words and the people who write them. A lot of people find an allure in fantastical worlds and realities outside of our own. I am one of those people.
But more so than that, we find solace in the characters. We find comfort in narrators that we relate to, strength in knowing that we are not alone. And that is why queer representation in books and all forms of media is so important.
We all have the desire to belong, to be found. For many people, the queer community gives them that sense of belonging. But on the screens and in the pages, so many narrators and characters are straight, white, cis. It can be hard to feel accepted, hard to feel real, when all around you there is no acknowledgement of your existence.
When I was younger, I had no idea what it meant to be queer. Imagine my surprise when I found out that label applied to me. It wasn’t something I had ever seen or experienced, and I didn’t understand what I was feeling for a long time. Only after I came out did I begin to see queer characters in media, and it was something that I wish I’d had when I was younger. It would not have tainted me, or changed me, or corrupted me. It would have helped me to better understand myself and my feelings. That experience, to see yourself on a screen or in a book, to be seen and heard and understood, is something that every child deserves, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, or ability. Because it’s important to know that we are not alone. Our experiences, while unique, are inextricably linked. That sense of community, that sense of camaraderie, that is what representation means. And that is also why it is important. Young adult/teen fiction characters like Nico DiAngelo and Viktor Hargreeves show us that acceptance is possible, and that embracing who you are can open new doors for your future as well as help you overcome your past.
Not only does it help to comfort members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can also help to educate those who don’t fully understand it. Seeing people who are different from us doesn’t just help to broaden our knowledge but also helps to unite us. Because shared experiences can cross all walks of life, and helping to create a relatable character who is also queer not only unites queer people but also helps straight people to understand that queer people are no less human than they are.
This isn't to say that every queer character needs to be a good person. Queer antagonists (or complex/antihero protagonists) can be just as interesting as queer protagonists. The key is to make sure that you are representing them not as a villain because they are queer, but instead that they are a villain who just so happens to be queer. Being queer does not excuse or create bad behavior. It's just a part of the human experience.
And that is the point of writing— to convey the full depth of the human experience, both universal feelings and niche ones. What we see on the screen and in popular media has a strong influence on our self-worth and our view of the world we live in. Giving queer youth healthy role models, both fictional and actual, is vital to encouraging acceptance and confidence, both for themselves and for the people around them. As more representation becomes more widespread, it encourages education and exploration, acceptance and activism. By honestly and accurately portraying the struggles and dreams of LGBTQ+ individuals, it can be instrumental in helping queer youth cope with their own struggles and grow stronger as a result.
***
First image credit: https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-queer-book-releases-you-cant-miss-in-2021/
Second image credit: Unsplash
Comments