Writing LGBTQIA+ Characters
*originally published in the June 2019 and June 2020 editions of Hear Ye, Hufflepuff*

Originally posted in honor of Pride Month, I aggregated some tips for writing non-heterosexual characters. While this list is far from exhaustive and won't apply to every character you write, it will hopefully be a good place to begin.

FFT was founded as a place on the internet for "people of all ages, genders, races, and sexual orientations" and maintains "a strong focus on inclusive writing." The archive currently allows readers to search for stories that include the following LGBTQIA+ identities: asexual/aromatic (ace/aro), bisexual/biromantic, demisexual, gay, genderfluid/genderqueer, lesbian, LGBTQIA, polyamory, transgender, and triad.

If you want to write a character whose identity differs from your own, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. LGBTQIA+ People are People Too
   It's a good thing to remember that you can write a "gay character" or a "character who happens to be gay." Coming out stories are important, but don't discount writing other plots where your characters just happen to be LGBTQIA+. People in the LGBTQIA+ community have adventures too!
    
2. Avoid Stereotypes
   If you aren't part of a particular identity and your first thoughts about people who do identify that way are things you can describe ones you've "heard before," pause for a moment. There are a lot of harmful stereotypes about people in the LGBTQIA+ community, and it's important not to perpetuate them. Do your research and be sure not to encourage any hurtful or otherwise uneducated stereotypes.
    
3. Read Widely
   One of the best ways to become a better writer is to be a voracious reader. There are incredible stories featuring LGBTQIA+ characters on the FFT archives, as well as in traditionally published books.
    
4. Talk to People
   FFT is a fantastic, diverse community. If you're unsure about your portrayal of a particular character, you're surrounded here by people who are enthusiastic about helping! It's important to get feedback. Post in the Story Help forum+ or check out related tutorials in the Resources forum+ to ask for your fellow FFT-ers' help.

Finally, in light of recent prejudice in the news, which I'm sure you've heard about, I would like to include a final, incredibly important "tip":

• Trans People Are Who They Say They Are
  Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Trans people are people. If you'd like to write a trans character and you don't know any trans people or aren't familiar with their lives or struggles, below are some wonderful resources. Even better, if you can listen to trans people online or in other media talk about their lives or experiences and educate yourself to avoid offending or hurting people with any inaccuracies you might write, absolutely do that. Here are a few places to start:
  • This Essay+: So how does one write a trans character? The big secret is that there is no such thing as "the trans experience."
  • Books to Read by Trans or Nonbinary Authors+
  • Multiple+ Great Lists+ of Books+ with Trans Characters+
  • On Writing Realistically+

I hope these tips help you! As always, happy writing!