What do you think about straight writers writing stories with LGBTQ+ characters in it?

Kate_20

What do you think about straight writers writing stories with LGBTQ+ characters in it? Do you think they reinforce stereotypes or do you think it is okay with them to do it?

Former Member

Hey @Kate_20
I think it all depends on whether they've done proper in depth research and are trying to really see it from another person's perspective rather than their own and their biases that come along with that. What do you think, Kate?

Former Member

I don't think there's anything wrong with it at all. Like Brooke says any characters written need to make sure you do proper research about, like when some men write about women and its the most obscene thing ever lol

JustV

Dandelion wrote: »

I don't think there's anything wrong with it at all. Like Brooke says any characters written need to make sure you do proper research about, like when some men write about women and its the most obscene thing ever lol

Building on this, I found out recently that 'perspective editors' provide feedback and suggest edits to how fictional characters are written. For example, if a straight male is writing a bisexual female character, a bisexual female perspective editor can be hired to go over the writing.

Former Member

Mike wrote: »

Dandelion wrote: »

I don't think there's anything wrong with it at all. Like Brooke says any characters written need to make sure you do proper research about, like when some men write about women and its the most obscene thing ever lol

Building on this, I found out recently that 'perspective editors' provide feedback and suggest edits to how fictional characters are written. For example, if a straight male is writing a bisexual female character, a bisexual female perspective editor can be hired to go over the writing.

Ah thats really cool I didn't know that

Skive

I think it completely a non issue. It's fiction ffs. Autors should be able to create any character they like.

AislingDM

Yeah, I love what everyone has already said, as long as stereotypes aren't being depicted, as well as ensuring you're getting feedback from the actual demographic you're describing. My only qualm would be the same as the one on my similar(ish) post from a little while ago: I would hope that straight authors aren't getting more money/book deals to write from a perspective that isn't their own, especially if they are taking space away from authors from that marginalised group