Resources for writers who want to include characters who are lesbian, bisexual, gay, asexual, demisexual, or any other sexual orientation that is different from their own in their work. Learn about common stereotypes and tropes, find research sources, and learn about available on demand classes.
These links represent a portion of the resources available to students who attend a Writing the Other class or Master Class.
Tropes & Stereotypes to Avoid
- Na’amen Tilahun on LGBTQ Stereotypes to avoid
- Myths and Stereotypes That Dehumanize Gay Men Must Be Challenged
- 25 Completely Ridiculous Lesbian Stereotypes That Won’t Die
- All 162 Dead Lesbian and Bisexual Characters On TV, And How They Died
- Invisible Bisexuality in Torchwood by K. Tempest Bradford
- 5 Writing the Other Fails And How To Avoid Them
- Too Niche – Lauren Jankowski on Asexuality
- We’re Not Broken: Asexual Characters In Pop Culture
Resources and Research
- Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Term Definitions
- Comic: The ability to appreciate and evaluate human aesthetic is not determined by your sexuality – Darning Socks
- Lesbian Historic Motif Project (LHMP) — An annotated bibliography of published research of interest to writing historic lesbian characters. NOTE: This page sometimes loads very slowly. The list is huge and comprehensive. If you have trouble, try loading this cached version first or the text-only version.
- Chart: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Throughout History (By Country/Culture)
- Bisexual Invisibility
- The difference between Bisexuality & Pansexuality
- Intergroup bias toward “Group X”: Evidence of prejudice, dehumanization, avoidance, and discrimination against asexuals [PDF]
- Demisexuality Resource Center
- QueerAsCat – YouTube
How To Do It Well
Master Class: More than Eunuchs and Extraterrestrials: Writing Positive Portrayals of Asexual Characters
In this seminar, asexual author Lauren Jankowski walks students through the general terminology related to the asexual spectrum, discusses the importance of dismantling the love hierarchy, and provides tips for avoiding common stereotypes of asexuals.
Click here to see the full description and purchase the class.
Header Image: Inclusive Pride Flag designed by Daniel Quasar