Young Writers Society

Dear My Fellow Writers and Colleagues,

I posted an excerpt some time ago in the fantasy short story area because of course it was short and full of wimsey. Well, at least it was there more or less and had a 'boring yet well-written' label instead of any. In light of such, I would like to pose a question to you guys.

See, if you didn't get to see my first profile picture I am so sorry, but it was a gay pride flag. I have a brother that is gay and I support him one hundred percent. Getting to the point here, I'd like to ask: "If I continued with what I had invisioned with the short story I posted and de-bunked it with the ways you proposed; than as a reader would you honestly read a fantasy epic if done as the main character resembling that of a gay person?"

So, in other words; could there be potential for something such as this, even if it was just a novel posted here on YWS? I respect everyone's opinion and I am particularly leaning toward making the main character gay regardless, I just had to put on my curious face.

I want honesty in relation to being professional about reading material, and not someone 'necessarily' that dis-favors (or whatever Lol) my idea simply because there is a main character that is gay. My brother has inspired me to form this epic novel and I have it all in my head ready to go...

I need you guys's opinion more than ever I'm afraid.

So what will it be?

Sincerely,
The Written Chef

*Moved to The Lounge*

There is an active market for gay stories. You'd be surprised. So don't worry about it and write what you want.

Thank you kindly my friend, and yes I did find The Lounge lolz...

-The Written Chef

As I understand it, gay and lesbian characters are quite common in fantasy novels, actually. I wouldn't fret about it.

Yay! Again thank you guys!!

Though gay characters in fantasy aren't uncommon, I avoid stories that advertise their characters based on sexual orientation. More often than not, they have a message to ram down the reader's throats, and/or the plot and minor characters suffer from idiocy/demonization just for the sake of exalting the character(s) that are gay/bi/whatever. And I really, really hate that.

Is the fact that the main character is gay incidental, or is the whole point of them being gay to be gay? If it's the second reason, then I would say take a really good look at your story and check for preachiness. If said preachiness exists, kill it. A character should be more than their sexual orientation, and one's sexual orientation should not be the sole point of one's existence. Sexual orientation is just like any trait; it should arise naturally from interactions (with the environment, other people, one's self) rather than exist just because the author declared it should.

Otherwise, if your MC's being gay is just a natural part of their character, then I have no problems.