: Re: An LGBT main character, but the book isn't about LGBT issues So I'm in the very early stages of plot development on a new story. It focuses on a (nonbinary, hence the they/them pronouns)

@Pope4766717

@weakdna ,

There's a difference between writing your characters according to the people they are and engaging with The Issues.

The topic of your character's gender identity only comes up if it is a part of your character's arc, then depict it as it is and how it relates to the character's arc.

You don't need to do any more or any less.

Prevent political discussions by refusing to write them. Have people in your setting treat Kem like non-binary gender is the most natural thing in the world. Focus on how their motivations were shaped by Kem's words and actions and their own needs, rather than on anything else.

Don't change anything to coddle potential readers. Stay true to your vision.

People can interpret your writing choices as one position or another, but people will only be offended if you fail to toe the political line currently present in media circles. It is your choice to care if people are offended or not. If you're trying to get your book published and you want to make sure you don't offend anyone, then you might choose to care. If not, you may choose not to care and let your critics work themselves into a fit if that's what they're into.

If people get all mad that you didn't address The Issues, then they can start paying you to address them.

EDIT:

Use of pronouns in English. Check online for a generally accepted standard for non-binary pronouns and use those.

Vote Up Vote Down

0 Reactions   React

Replies (0) Report

Login to post a comment!