June is designated as Pride Month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall riot, which was seen as the unofficial start of the gay rights movement here in the United States. The movement has seen gains over the years in just about every aspect of American culture, including the publishing industry. These gains, however, have not been easy to come by, with years of struggles and persecution for members of the LGBTQ community. And while representation might be at its greatest for LGBTQ people, they continue to see political challenges and persecution.
Books featuring LGBTQ themes were once niche and resigned to the lower shelves of independent bookstores. Now, these titles are a big and growing business. During a 12-month period ending in October of 2023, sales of LGBTQ fiction titles totaled around 4.4 million units, which was up 7% from the previous year and up 200% from four years previously. To put this in perspective, total fiction sales actually decreased during that same time period ending in October 2023, which goes to show the growing popularity of LGBTQ stories. Kristen McLean, a publishing industry expert, attributes this growth to the notion that “those storylines have been moving from a more niche area of fiction into the mainstream” and that the progression is seen as a “generational story.”
Young Adult (YA) Books: The Backbone of Growth
Young Adult (YA) books have been the backbone of this growth. In 2022, it was noted that sales of YA books with LGBTQ characters grew by 1.2 million units over the previous year. Publishers have noted this and run with LGBTQ titles. Michael Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Europa Editions, states, “One of the nice things about the moment we’re living through is that it’s not simply token acceptance; it’s commercial success.”
The Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Authors and Publishers
Yet, it’s not all rainbows (pun intended) and sunshine. LGBTQ books, particularly YA books, have seen record numbers of challenges in recent years at libraries and bookstores. In 2022, over one-half of the most challenged books in the United States were LGBTQ books with over 1200 total challenges, the largest number of challenges since the American Library Association began tracking these statistics. And these challenges aren’t slowing down, with the number of challenges rising another 65% in 2023, with 47% featuring LGBTQ characters. And while representation has seemingly improved overall for LGBTQ voices, the industry remains predominantly straight in terms of workers. A 2023 survey showed that among those working in the publishing industry, only 32% of employees (including executives, agents, interns, marketers, etc.) identified as LGBTQ. This is however up 13% from the same survey in 2019.
These challenges often lead to censorship, impacting both these books’ availability and sales. Authors who tackle LGBTQ themes frequently face backlash that can result in their works being banned or restricted, limiting the reach of their voices and stories.
Diversity in Publishing: Benefits for All Readers
The importance of diversity in publishing cannot be overstated. It benefits all readers, not just those in the LGBTQ community. Diverse books provide windows into different lives and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. They also offer mirrors for underrepresented groups, allowing them to see themselves reflected in literature. This inclusivity enriches the reading experience and contributes to a more equitable society.
Promoting and Protecting LGBTQ Literature
Publishers and bookstores are taking significant steps to promote and protect LGBTQ literature. Many are actively curating LGBTQ book lists, hosting author events, and creating safe spaces for discussions around these books. For instance, bookstores like Powell’s Books and Barnes & Noble have dedicated sections and reading programs focusing on LGBTQ literature. Moreover, publishers are increasingly partnering with LGBTQ advocacy groups to ensure these voices are heard.
Supporting LGBTQ Authors: Tips for Readers
Readers play a critical role in supporting LGBTQ authors and ensuring diverse stories are told. Here are some tips on how to support LGBTQ authors:
- Buy Their Books: Purchasing books from LGBTQ authors directly supports their work and encourages publishers to invest in more diverse voices.
- Leave Reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon can boost a book’s visibility and attract more readers.
- Promote on Social Media: Share your favorite LGBTQ reads and authors on social media to spread the word.
- Request Books at Libraries: Ask your local library to carry more LGBTQ titles.
- Attend Author Events: Participate in book signings, readings, and discussions to show your support.
Upcoming Trends and Initiatives in Publishing
Looking ahead, the publishing industry is poised to continue its push towards greater diversity and inclusion. Some upcoming trends and initiatives include:
- Increased Visibility in Mainstream Media: More LGBTQ authors are being featured in mainstream media, increasing their reach and influence.
- Diverse Imprints: Publishers are launching imprints dedicated to LGBTQ literature, ensuring a continuous pipeline of diverse voices.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships between publishers and LGBTQ organizations are fostering new opportunities for queer authors and stories.
Conclusion
LGBTQ stories have gone from niche reads to chart toppers for publishers and bookstores. At the same time, LGBTQ voices are also increasing in the publishing industry itself, with more and more employees identifying as LGBTQ and hopefully advocating for the success of queer authors. Nonetheless, vigilance is necessary. Challenges to LGBTQ books (particularly books made for YA audiences) continue to increase with fringe groups doing their best to try and silence the gains made over the last six decades. Supporters of these voices need to be aware of the challenges and continue to fight for representation and greater diversity.
By Chris Moffitt
Chris is a Managing Editor at Technica Editorial
