So, obviously this is going to be very much influenced by my perspective on me being queer/LGBT+ and the current state of representation in the media, but these are some very basic guidelines that I think curious writers would benefit from following when writing a character from a minority group you’re not a part of.
Be careful. - I say this as kindly as I can, because frankly, I want to see more representation, and I want to see it everywhere. And I’m never going to see it if I have to wait for the “right” person to make it. But just be aware that you’re writing a story through research and not personal experience, so if someone points out a bias or facet of the situation you didn’t think of before, listen to them. It could benefit your overall story and it’s readers immensely.
Don’t carelessly make it the focus of your plot. - For real, though. If you’re a straight person writing a queer/LGBT+ romance novel, for example, you need to be aware that your personal romantic experience will only be so helpful. Obviously exploring the lens of another viewpoint can be very, very helpful on a personal level - it’s one thing that helped me realize I wasn’t straight! - but please do it with a certain level of tact. The more research you do, the better!
Find sensitivity readers! - this will be one of your saving graces. Ask a friend/acquaintance/someobe from that minority group if they’re willing to help you read through your portrayal of these characters, and to point out things you’ve done that aren’t conducive to well-written representation. Also, the more sensitivity readers you have, the more varied viewpoints will go into your understanding of this identity.
Don’t spotlight it. - this might seem weird, at first. But honestly, the more normally you treat the character, the easier it will be to believe. This means, basically, that if it’s not immediately plot relevant that the character isn’t straight, you don’t have to toss it in as a mandatory descriptor. At the end of the day, write minority characters as individuals first, identities second.
Make lots of them! - don’t let this one minority character be your last. Keep writing them, keep introducing representation to your stories - we want to see that. I know fellow LGBT+ and queer folks genuinely want to see that - so don’t do it once for the woke point. Take what you’ve learned and build on it. Write it better!
And finally - Support Minority Writers! - actively help out and promote fellow writers, especially if they’re writing characters that represent them. Find folks that are writing good rep for minority groups and tell your following “Hey, if you liked this, check this out! This author really knows what they’re talking about!”
I think that’s it for very basic guidelines on how to write a character from a minority group. The bottom line is to be willing to learn, and to be respectful, and if you’re willing to do both of those things, then you’ll be fine.
Now, let’s boost that rep, shall we?
annaxmalina
2087
izzy806
