Stories have the power to help us understand ourselves and others. For many LGBTQ+ teens, seeing characters and experiences that reflect aspects of their own lives can be meaningful. For others, these stories offer opportunities to learn about perspectives, experiences and identities different from their own.
LGBTQ+ Characters on Screen
LGBTQ+ characters and storylines are more visible in television and film today than they were in the past. Even so, some identities continue to receive less representation than others, and certain depictions may rely on stereotypes or leave out the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Finding a range of stories can give viewers the chance to explore different perspectives and discover characters they relate to.
LGBTQ+ Teen Novels
Books can be one way for queer and questioning teens to explore questions about identity, relationships and belonging. Fiction and memoirs may introduce readers to experiences such as coming out, finding supportive friends and family, navigating challenges or simply living everyday life as an LGBTQ+ person. While every person's journey is unique, many readers appreciate stories that reflect parts of their own experiences or introduce them to lives different from their own. These books can also help foster empathy and understanding among readers of all backgrounds.
A Spotlight on Heartstopper
One popular example is the Heartstopper series by nonbinary, aromantic-asexual author Alice Oseman. Through its graphic novels and screen adaptation, Heartstopper features characters with a variety of identities, including gay, bisexual, transgender, lesbian, nonbinary, aromantic and asexual. The series explores themes such as friendship, first love, self-discovery, mental health and finding community. Many readers have shared that they connected with its hopeful and compassionate portrayal of growing up and coming out, although every reader's experience will be different.
If you're looking for stories that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes, Heartstopper is just one place to start. With the Heartstopper feature-length film (along with its previous three seasons), now out on Netflix, explore the graphic novels or browse our LGBTQ+ reading lists to discover more books featuring a wide range of voices and experiences.
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