As we continue with our Pride month celebration, let’s talk about queer normative books.
In these stories, we dive into a world free from transphobia and homophobia, where prejudices have no place. Moreover, the focus isn’t on characters coming out; instead, queerness is woven into the narrative naturally—neither defining the characters nor driving the plot. While the characters face various struggles, it is important to note that their challenges have nothing to do with their sexuality or queerness. Consequently, these tales illuminate identities that often remain in the shadows, thereby giving these voices a vibrant platform to shine and thrive.
With storywriting being a way to be creative and unique, why not start from scratch and write a setting that is opposite to what we have now?
Queer Normative Books To Add to Your TBR
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Linus Baker must travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
Aila has always dreamed of protecting the beautiful phoenixes since her childhood. As the head zookeeper at a magical zoo, she’s determined to revive the dormant phoenix breeding program. With the support of her best friend, two love interests, and various magical creatures, Aila is ready to bring the phoenixes back to life.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
After a lifetime of bloodshed, Orc Viv seeks a different pace of life. After trying coffee for the first time, she decides to open her own shop. With support from her community, Viv must fight one last battle to finally get what she deserves.
Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers
A tea monk encounters a robot long after all the robots of Panga had laid down their tools and wandered into the wilderness, never to be seen again. But when asked, “What do people want?” our two friends struggle to find the answer.
Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
Demeter is a spaceship happily shuttling passengers between Earth and Alpha Centauri. However, people are mysteriously dying onboard. To avoid decommissioning, Demeter must rally her team of werewolves, spider drones, a dead guy, a pharaoh, and a grumpy vampire to confront the ultimate villain: Dracula.
Lastly, want to learn more about genres? Check out this post that breaks it all down.