Out of all the genres I have read to date, queer literature is one of the most interesting forms of fiction to get into. It encompasses a rich and diverse collection of stories that explore the experiences, identities, and challenges faced by people in the LGBTQ+ community.
By delving into queer narratives, readers gain insight into the unique perspectives, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. These stories foster empathy, promote understanding, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences.
Exploring queer literature allows readers to broaden their horizons, embrace diversity, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society. But some recent occurrences have left me questioning where we stand with queer literature as a society. Here›s one such instance:
LGBTQ+ Bookshop Owner Calls Out Mainstream Chains for Tokenizing the Queer Community
Matthew Cornford, the owner of QueerLit, an independent LGBTQ+ bookshop in Manchester, has criticized mainstream chains, including Waterstones, for monetizing the queer community by only stocking LGBTQ+ books during Pride Month.
Cornford argues that all major bookshops should have permanent sections dedicated to queer literature to combat homophobia in society. QueerLit has launched a campaign to provide free LGBTQ+ books to schools, aiming to normalize queer experiences and support LGBTQ+ teens.
Does this mean queer literature is celebrated only during Pride Month?
But don›t some bookstores claim to have displays and queer literature available in dedicated sections all year round? This left me perplexed and further piqued my curiosity when I learned about Weird Queer.
Weird Queer: Exploring the Fantastical Fusion of Queerness and Strangeness in Literature
The emerging genre of Weird Queer offers a delightful blend of queerness and weirdness in literature. These books feature unconventional plots, unique formats, talking animals, imaginative monsters, and peculiar worldbuilding.
Spanning various genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more, Weird Queer celebrates the inherent possibilities and alternative perspectives of queer identity. The genre embraces the queer experience›s beautiful oddity and invites readers to explore new ways of perceiving the world.
This tells us that embracing queer literature and welcoming the community lies in the hands of each individual. Perceptions change and new genres are constantly evolving. Speaking of evolution, I have noticed some awards and lit fests as well evolving to celebrate LGBTQ+ literature!
The Rainbow Awards for Literature & Journalism Celebrate Authentic Queer Narratives in India
The inaugural edition of The Rainbow Awards for Literature & Journalism (RALJ) has been launched in New Delhi. This unique initiative aims to recognize and honour honest and compelling storytelling around LGBTQIA+ lives by Indian queer and cis-het writers.
The awards seek to create a genre that raises awareness within society and fosters a sense of belonging for the queer community. The award ceremony will be held during the Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer & Inclusive in December. Founder Sharif D Rangnekar emphasizes the importance of preserving queer history and reclaiming space through literature and journalism.
Where Does This Leave Us?
From lit fests and awards to frustrated bookstore owners, we have discussed quite a blend of news today, haven›t we? I think this leaves us in a profound junction.
Rather than simply saying «to each his own” and moving on, actively accepting and welcoming the queer community involves acknowledging their rights, experiences, and contributions. It means promoting equality and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, both legally and socially.
And isn’t literature one of the best ways to achieve this? Let me know and let’s keep the conversation going!
Neha Raj is the Co-founder of Booknerds