How To Write An LGBT Book with Alice Oseman, Juno Dawson, and Simon James Green (AD) 

before i realized i was gay i used to think i was "over-representing" LGBTQ characters in my stories and thought nobody would like my stories if i had too many gay characters. now i know i'm gay and it's so nice to be able to write lesbian fiction with my own characters and create my own representation!

"So we need queer characters in ghost stories..." Yes please I would read this.

i absolutely love Alice’s writing so seeing her here makes me really happy :)

So I only just found you via your EPIC video about Captain Marvel Gayness (TM), and now you're talking to Alice Oseman who is LITERALLY my favourite author of all time??? YOU'RE AMAZING THANK YOU FOR EXISTING :D :D xxxxxx

In high school I wrote an essay on “boy meets boy” which made up the whole grade for one of my subjects. I compared it to “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, and talked about the portrayal of the LGBT community that was possible at their respective times. Writing that essay (and especially reading that book) was quite a big part of my personal coming out story. These days I have “This Book is Gay” proudly displayed in my bookcase and very much look forward to reading “Proud” and works of the authors mentioned in this. Rowan, thank you so much for this video :)

Literally came here from a video about how Brie Larson and Tessa Thompson are pushing for a cannon romance between Captain Marvel and Valkyrie. I feel so spoilt rn and I couldn't have asked for a more uplifting end to a somewhat awful day.

I'm so yealous of people who can go to such a bookstore...

Petition for 'Proud 2: Revenge of the Pride' to be a thing In all seriousness, I'm so glad something like this could come together and I'm definitely gonna check it out!

i saw alice in the thumbnail and viciously clicked. literally my favourite author and artist to ever exist. top notch person.

What Juno said is so true, I have never seen the word asexual used in a book, I have never read about a character that is like me and to realise that hurts more than I ever expected it would

I think my friends and I were going to go to Gay's the word on the day you guys were shooting this video! We were there too early before it was open and saw you guys filming. I love Gay's the word, it's one of my favourite places in London.

I wasn't even half-way through the video before I ordered Proud online, can't wait to read it!

I found your channel earlier today through you captain marvel video (and subscribed because of that video), and I was going through your channel looking at your videos and I saw Alice Oseman in the thumbnail of this one and clicked immediately! She's like my favorite author ever, I love her so much

Me at the start of the video: YES GIVE ME THAT BOOK Me 2 mins in: Oh sh*t, I'm not out yet

there is that beautiful series called "bloom into you" it has an asexual character and the main character is somewhere on the grey spectrum give it a read it's nice

Oh hey! Your guests are timely! I just finished Loveless. So, SO many feels about it. First book in a long while that I have wanted to read again right after finishing it.

Thank you Rowan for this video! You're the best and Juno is incredible. 😍

Thank you so much for this video. I'm a young, bisexual, cis, aspiring writer, and I've tried to find time in my busy schedule to watch this video, particularly with my very religious family present (they're not anti-LGBT+ or anything, they know about and accept me, they're just really interrogative about LGBT+ stuff). This is exactly what I need, simply to write about LGBT+ experiences in my works, particularly LGT+ (outside B), so I thank you, and all those writers for this. God bless you all.

Alice and Simon are so soft spoken! I am so glad I had subtitles

I love Alice I love Rowan, this is the collab I didn't know I wanted, but I needed

Maybe First, I love how you color your hair!

I'm writing a book with a gay romance... Ad my main series has a Ace lead. I am trying to make well developed stories with us

AHHH I WENT TO THAT BOOK STORE AND THE VIBE WAS GREAT AND I ADORED THAT PLACE AGNVFHJHFG

I’m currently working on a book about LGBT teen suicide, SJWs, and people who “support the gay” but really don’t. There’s a pansexual character (I myself am pansexual and I’d like to tackle issues regarding pan and biphobia) a lesbian character, and a non-binary character who all have different stories. The main pansexual character has a supportive household but a bad environment at school, the lesbian character has a bad environment all around :,(, and the non-binary character has an over-supportive home life and surrounds themself with supportive friends at school. Thank you so much for touching on this topic!

Aww Nick and Charlie kissing in the background during the second half of the video, my heaaaaart. If these topics interest you, please read Heartstopper or Radio Silence by Alice Oseman. I can't wait to read Proud.

I’m planning on writing a novel with a LGBT+ character, this video helped me a lot so thank you for making this video!

on the "whole anthology" comment, I wanted to say that when I taught critical theory and for one week we did Queer Theory a student actually said THERE ARE SO FEW GAYS WHY DO THEY GET A WHOLE THEORY?

omg i want to go to that book store!

0:58 -- If You Could Be Mine and Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel are two of my FAVORITE BOOKS EVER MADE. Love Sara Farizan! Highly recommend both books.

Gay's the word is such a lovely place, what a great setting for this interview ❤️

There is an Australian equivalent of this book called, "Growing Up Queer in Australia". It felt great to have growing up stories that I could relate too.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I found this video by accident, started watching mindlessly and then BOOOM, here is the author of Noah Can't Even. I mean. i just LOVE this book so much. I used to work on a bookshop and the amount of time I've spent just telling people to read this book! Im so happy i found this video ♥

This video is quality 💗 Thank you so much! So glad Stripes reached out to you :)

My fave RU-vidr AND Alice,my fave yA writer!? In the same video!? Am I blessed!?! Thank you so much for this!!! I shall now research on the other to writers and get myself a copy of PROUD 💙

I feel like for me, one of the *BEST* types of representation, is casually mentioned. When it has nothing to do with the plot, but also not boasted about on the cover, or the blurb, they are accepted etc, and nor are they simply there for forced rep, and dont fulfil stereotypes of “the gay best friend” etc. Just main characters *being* lgbt+. I love it. I find so much unexpected acceptance from that. So much love. I feel so much less alone in the world, and like, even though I AM lgbt+, that doesnt have to be what my story is about. My story is my own.

If y’all are looking for a real fun LGBT fantasy series look up “The Lightning Struck Heart” it’s by TJ Klune and it’s about a gay wizard’s apprentice thats biracial. The books are quite vulgar in case that’s not your thing but they’re also hilariously over the top and my favorite thing about the world the story takes place in is that the concept of homophobia just doesn’t exist. All the main characters, the crown prince, even the dragon are all LGBT characters and it’s just great I only have one book left and I’m sad to be nearly done with it.

I just started watching your videos and Alice Oseman is literally my favorite author, I'm so happy

This is lovely to see on your channel, Rowan. To see authors speak about their experiences, media representation, and to see an anthology out like this makes my heart warm up. Imagine all the teens growing up now who may read it and feel less alone. Media still has a long way to go, but to see authors doing this kind of good gives me hope.

I NEED to read this! I absolutely adore Juno Dawson

oh my god how have i not seen this! i love you and alice so much

I just bought this book today! From a lovely independent bookshop that sold plenty of feminist and LGBTQ+ works! Thank you for making me aware of it!

Sugar Rush was one of the first shows I remember watching and being like "YES GIRLS LIKING GIRLS OMG I FEEL SO SEEN" even though it had it's own issues.

Thank you for this! ❤💛✨

LOVED THIS! All true. Yes. Completely agree. Looks like I need this book in my life! Thanks Rowan xxx

Wow this is such an awesome video. I'm so glad I subscribe to your channel!

Oh!! Is that the same Alice Oseman that made heartstopper? I got a copy and leant it to my sister and never saw it again because she has read it far too many times

Amazing video as always:)

It's funny going through my writing over the years because over the course of 15 years I went from fairly generic, anime-esque fantasy without any LGBTQ characters whatsoever to having them be the overwhelming majority (I pitched a story once as "gay communist xcom")

Great video!

Holy Hell, I love Alice Oseman. This makes me soooo Happy

I know why RU-vid is recommending this again three years later...

I have to visit this bookshop!!!!!

I just realized it was "Heartstopper,"I took way too long to realize that....

I'm trying to publish an lgbtq+ children's book rn so I'm excited to watch

THE SHOPS IN LONDON!?!? OMG!!! AAA IM FORCING MY FRIENDS TO GO WITH ME!!! fawn, if your seeing this. it's a sign.

Seeing the thumbnail, I was super hoping that was Alice, and that's fab. I'm so happy this happened.

LOVED THIS GONNA BUY IT

I think books like this should have more discreet covers instead of rainbows all over it, so closeted teens can still get a chance to read it without outing themselves if they are seen reading it in public.

I'm straight, but I want to write two lgbt characters that will eventually end up together. Their names are Caleb and Felix. Felix is pansexual and Caleb is gay. Felix has known his sexuality ever since he was about 10 or 11 when he had a crush on a boy named Cyrus, who he begins dating....it doesn't end too well. Caleb on the other hand is confused. He's dating a girl but doesn't feel anything in the relationship at all. I haven't figured out how to start the book yet...

I can’t believe Alice Oseman has created something that I haven’t read I’m a fake fan

I'm shaking I didnt know you did a video with alice oseman, my icon

Thank you xxx

After who knows how long I Just realised that i have not subbed to you, then i subbed.

I think that whilst we shouldn't just completely stop coming out stories. It is a growing problem that even within gay media finding gay stories that aren't about coming is actively difficult especially if you're wanting something aimed at teens or young adults. I think a lot of older gays that write YA and teen fiction don't realise that because of how much the culture has shifted, people come out at 13 and by the age of 16 are fed up of reading and watching media exclusively about coming out. It can be difficult because I feel I no longer relate to that headspace anymore but can't find things that show the very different experience of living as an out queer person. Most TV shows and films stop once the character comes out and considers their story arc finished.

rowan!!! i love your videos so much and was wondering if you could react to the show "andi mack" that's on disney channel? they have the first ever gay character (in the us) AND has actually said the words "im gay" on TV! also, just the show overall is amazing and also very progressive. it would be wonderful if i could get your opinion/reaction on it!

I love Alice Oseman so so much! She’s amazing! ❤

24:35 now we do! we have prime time ghost comedy on the BBC featuring the captain! a gay character who is extremely well written and a fan favourite :)

I'll have to go visit this bookstore *_*

I'm proud of myself for recognising gays the word from the thumbnail only! Went there last autumn absolutely a wonderful place!

Its so lovely I can see the light in your eye❤ but please don't forget us who are born in a bad place!!

JUNO DAWSON YESSSSS I LOVE THEIR BOOKS

Have you got a go to list of great lgbt YA? Im loving Heartstopper and Carry On is fantastic lgbt fantasy but I want more content!

I really really want to go to the bookstore

Gail Carriger uploads(and published) today and you present a new LGBTQA+ book too!

So after watching the second season of the chilling adventures of Sabrina I've come to the conclusion that roberto is dealing with internalized homophobia. Like the show is overwhelming heterosexual. But we can't have one same sex relationship. What are your thoughts on the show

Alice!!!!

I want to go this store,and what books you bought?

I am aware that I as a cis/hetero woman am not the main target group here, but I'd still like to leave a comment from my perspective. Just ordered "proud" online and am very excited to read it. I want to comment on the discussion of whether representation above or beneath the "radar" is important and I strongly wanted to say both! I think almost EVERYONE benefits from and can appreciate diversity in film and literature. I love that casts have become much more racially diverse and books of various genres like fantasy etc include more representation of queer people etc. It just makes reading so much more interesting, surprising and enjoyable for everyone. So, I fully appreciate the need for books that are primarily for the queer community and center around their issues, I think both is equally valuable. Also, especially when thinking about YA: many teens haven't really figured out their identity yet, so they might not buy a book for ace/aro people even if their dad's let them. :) thus, representation of all varieties in "mainstream" media can give them inspiration. Secondly, I write stories myself and while I fully agree that research and compassion is a must when writing "the other" (whatever the other is for that particular author) I wanted to ask for a bit of a mild view on unintential misrepresentation. I know from myself how my characters always tend to think like me or react like I do. It is extremely hard work to make them behave like well-rounded characters that are different from yourself, at least in my experience. I myself have stumbled over and been annoyed about cases where I thought characters are unrealistic und misrepresented, for example when male authors write female characters. Also, I suffer from chronic pain and I am often really annoyed by how characters react to pain and disability - something that is in my view often misrepresented. What I am saying is: authors have a responsibility to not simply repeat stereotypes but to create rounded characters and do their research. But when they then still tread on someones toes or misrepresent, it's of course important to start the discourse but not to burry them in shame... Example: the main character in a story that I'm currently writing has a very prominent burn scar in her face and has been caught in a fire as a child. I have put a lot of thought into how this would affect and shape her but honestly, I don't have that experience. So it might be im getting it wrong. But if every author only wrote about themselves, there would only ever be one character in every story. :)

I'm pretty sure captain Jack Harkness was the first bi/pan character I came across. He's still the best one.

ALICE!!!

For me a really big problem is the worry about whether I'm LGBT enough to write these stories. I'm definitely somewhere in the Q+ part of it, but I still don't know exactly what I am or how to define myself, and I worry that I shouldn't tell stories that aren't mine to tell - but somehow, I find LGBT characters much more interesting to write about than straight ones. It's genuinely something I worry about a lot as a wannabe writer - there's so many stories I really want to tell and characters I really want to write about, but I'm just not in a position yet to label myself, or to know what stories I'm entitled to tell. I don't know if anyone feels else feels that way? It's a genuine dilemna for me - writing's something I'm so serious about, and it's making me feel so much pressure to figure myself out.

Cheers and power to you all. And I’m like the ladies to Rowan ! Thank you for the content from your heterosexual fan Danny from Canada 🇨🇦

21:31, she said 'plumbers mend toilets', so you can fix the subtitles with that instead of (mumbling). :) She meant to say like 'plumbers mend toilets, that is their job, and it's an author's job to imagine what it's like to be other types of people', so it does actually make sense, I'm not just making stuff up :)

How many of the writers and illustrators of this were QPoC... did this lack of representation ever occur to Rowan. I'm asking this at 36 seconds in and I hope it's at least ADRESSESD in this video even if it's overlooked afterwards.

I'm sorry to kind of plug, but something else not really well known that you might be interested in it's Bible Belt Queers, it's essays, artwork, stories, etc from 70 LGBTQ+ persons. You can check them out on GoFundMe and they have rewards for $30 donations

I still don't have any books about trans people because I'm scared of what my mum will think of me. I'm out to her but she thinks it's weird and is trying to ignore it. I don't know why I even try to hide it any more. I'm so sick of this.

Two books Fantasy books I picked up and found queer characters in without expecting (and I can highly recommend both of these books!!!): - The Priory of the orange tree by Samantha Shannon -The gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan (it is never said explicitly buuuuut, to me it is clearly sapphic!, Read it when I was about 16 and had no idea about my sexuality yet, but reading some of these scenes were heartsopping moments for me, pun intended) :) anyone more fantasy book recommendations with queer/ indigenous/ neurodivergent / bipoc / minority representation?

that's amazing here my library doesn't even have a section of LGBT characters 😢

I Oder this book

what are your thoughts on LGBTQ+ author/story authenticity? example: women writing gay lead male stories, etc.

I have been struggling with plot ideas related to lgbt... how do i make a love story different from heartstopper? 😂 Because my experience was almost the same.

Hi, Am I the only that can't acces the links to buy the book ? My avast antivirus block it cause it says it's a phishing URL :/

Hey this video got me thinking, could you recommend some lgbtq novels, particularly ones with wlw characters?

Where is this shop in London???

I'm in my 30s: there are NEVER ENOUGH lgbt books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard "hello, it's prison Rowan again" PFFT😭

I just accidentally bought this book in digitalia.... no regrets... maybe a little bit but not much

Looking back on the story I tried to write four years ago. It was about people very different than me. Research didn't work out at all. My attempts were ridiculous, but I wouldn't know what else to do. I couldn't bring them to life. Is it even possible to research how it's like to be straight?

I really want to write about a trans person in my fantasy storys but I don't want to have that there only feature any tips?

Hey I just found you and I think you’re fucking awesome