How to Write Authentic Queer Characters: Forced vs. Nuanced Representation

While today marks the last day of Pride Month, a time when corporate logos return to their usual bland colors and mainstream marketing shifts its focus, those of us in the community continue existing and creating beyond the month's boundaries. Writing our authentic queer identities into our stories is a year-round job, not a seasonal marketing campaign. And even though focus shifts elsewhere, we still want to see ourselves represented and portrayed in media as authentically as we live it each day. 

Despite this, we see constant debates surrounding "forced representation". For writers and creators, what does this actually mean? Typically, it is not about the presence of queer characters that highlights the debate. It is how they are structurally executed in media. When representation feels forced, it often relates to how the character's identity is treated as either their entire purpose and plot point or just a checklist for diversity. Their entire existence becomes about their queer identity instead of their life around it. True representation doesn't come from loud broadcasting of labels; it is seamlessly woven into the story in a more nuanced way. 

A great example of how this works in practice can actually be found in the internet's current fixation over The Amazing Digital Circus and its finale. (If you have not yet absorbed this media, don't worry! There are absolutely zero spoilers for the finale ahead!) There has been a massive storm of discussion surrounding Jax in the last few weeks which only proves a vital point about modern audiences. We are desperate for narratives that trust that we are paying attention. Nuanced representation is all about trusting the audience to notice the delicate weaving of identity not just through dialogue or labels but the character's deeper psychology, defense mechanisms, and actions. We don't need to put a character's identity on a billboard for it to be understood or noticed. 

Diving into the psychology of your character is a great way to write a deeper nuanced character. Take for example Jax from TADC. Gooseworks utilizes the masking technique in Jax's behavior from the very start of the show, hinting towards a deeper issue without stating it outright. Masking is the act of putting on a front or persona as a shield or overcompensation for a deep rooted vulnerability. When dealing with trauma or an unfamiliar environment, characters would rarely stand and broadcast themselves to the world. It becomes safer for them to keep it to themselves and project a mask. While the show also has Gangle move through a plethora of masks, Jax displayed this with an overly aggressive and hostile act whenever things got too personal for them. They would lash out at those around them or be outright cruel just to get the other characters to leave the subject alone and in turn protect themselves. The narrative Gooseworks weaved around this mask allowed Jax to guard an intense vulnerability in their sense of self throughout their arc, alluding to something deeper to the character than just a label. 

Writing authentic characters similar to Jax can sometimes come as a challenge, even for those in the community who have lived similar lives to those they are portraying. However, as we have seen, it is not a hopeless endeavor. There are various different tools you can utilize when it comes to creating queer characters. Much like Jax, if your character has a trauma surrounding their identity, the use of masks or overcompensation for your character can allude to their insecurities and allow your audience to pick up on the hints. Much like masking, using the shield of overcompensation can be seen through characters loudly projecting the exact opposite of what they are insecure about. For example, say your character is sapphic yet too scared to proclaim their love of their friend. We may see them act out as a flirtatious person whenever a masculine person is around to hide their insecurity of their actual attractions. Weaving a character's identity into their very behaviors surrounding the very personal aspect of themselves is a great start.

Another way to navigate a character's identity can come through symbolism. Allowing your audience to pick up on the hints you place in their path creates a striking and engaging narrative they will want to pick apart and understand deeper. Embedding subtext into scenes, such as colors that surround your character's life, can be a subtle way to lead your audience down the right path. For example, your character may have the colors of a specific pride flag in their wardrobe colors or even aura of magic. You can also use the motif of reflection through the narrative as a way to show how a character may struggle with dysmorphia. There is a variety of ways you can navigate this motif alone. From flinching at reflections, having all mirrors covered in their private quarters, or being shown how they want to be seen through magical means. While this can be seen as more telling for a character's identity, it can become nuanced through small brief glimpses. Perhaps your character sees their reflection in their spoon during an important meal and becomes slightly flustered or more guarded in their conversation. Including subtext like this in a narrative has become my favorite way of alluding to a character's identity without the need to label it outright for my audience. 

On a final note, remember each character has their own story to tell. While some characters may be closeted, afraid, or deeply guarded, others may be out and open and just living their life. Even though queer identity can definitely play a huge part in our lives, it is not all we are. This is true for your characters as well. They should have histories, relationships, behaviors, and even goals that exist beyond their identity. Instead of labeling them outright to your audience, let it be nuanced in their behaviors and personality. In the end, it will create a more grounded and engaging character than one of a specific stereotyped identity. Balancing this is surely the hardest part of creating believable and gripping characters, but it can be done. My best advice: sit with your character and dive into their psychology around their identity and how does that shapes their arc in your narrative. If you ever find yourself stuck and want a second set of eyes to help map out that psychological blueprint, my door is always open for a free story strategy call.
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From my pen to you,
Mies Wright