Why Diversity Matters
Hey Booklovers!
It’s a question that comes up a lot these days: Can straight authors write queer stories? As a gay male author, I’ve given this topic a lot of thought. There’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer—it’s nuanced, just like identity and storytelling itself. So, let’s dive in!
Can straight authors write queer characters well?
Of course, they can. Just like a straight actor can portray a queer character through research, empathy, and dedication, a straight author can create compelling queer characters. Good storytelling is all about understanding the human experience, and love, longing, joy, and heartbreak transcend sexual orientation.
But here’s the thing: while a straight author might be able to imagine what it’s like to be queer, they’re still working from an outside perspective. It’s like describing a country you’ve read about but never visited—it’s possible, but there’s something about living there that gives a story its most authentic details.
What makes queer authors’ voices unique?
As a gay man, creating queer characters is my world. I’m not just guessing at what it feels like to navigate a queer identity—I’ve lived it. I’ve felt the rush of first love and the sting of rejection in a society that doesn’t always accept people like me. My stories are infused with the authenticity of lived experience: the awkward coming-out conversations, the unspoken bond with chosen family, the subtle ways LGBTQ+ people navigate the world every day.
That doesn’t mean my stories are better, but they do carry a depth that’s hard to replicate if you haven’t walked in those shoes. Authenticity matters because representation matters. When queer people read my work, I want them to feel like they’re seen—not as a stereotype, but as fully fleshed-out individuals.
Where does the line between authenticity and appropriation fall?
The key difference is respect. A straight author writing a queer story must approach it with the same care they’d give any marginalized perspective. It’s not about ticking diversity boxes; it’s about understanding the weight of representation.
If you’re a straight writer, ask yourself:
• Am I relying on stereotypes, or have I done my homework?
• Have I listened to actual queer voices, read their stories, and tried to understand their experiences?
• Am I creating these characters because I love and respect the community, or because I think it’ll sell?
When done right, a queer character written by a straight author can add value to literature. But if it’s rushed, shallow, or exploitative, it can do more harm than good.
How can straight authors support queer voices?
The best way to support queer stories is to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ authors. If you’re a straight author writing queer characters, don’t just stop at your own book. Read and recommend stories written by queer authors. Understand the landscape and contribute to a richer, more authentic pool of representation.
So… should straight authors write queer stories?
Here’s my take: Yes, but with care. Straight authors are welcome to write queer stories as long as they do the work. But as a gay male author, my queer stories will always come from a place of lived truth, and that’s something no amount of research can replicate.
In the end, there’s room for all of us to tell stories. The world needs diverse voices, not just in the stories we tell, but in the storytellers themselves. So, straight writers, go ahead—but remember that queer writers have been, and always will be, at the heart of these narratives.
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Stay bookish and fabulous,
Felix
