Character: Gwen Vere
From: The Manifold Worlds series (An Accident of Stars and A Tyranny of Queens)
Representation: Black, Aromantic, Polyamorous, WLW
Their Importance: While the past decade has provided many new opportunities for aromantic and polyamorous representation in literature, many of these aro and polyam characters are often young and still coming to terms with their identity. While these stories are undoubtedly very important to tell, it can seem limiting to the scope of what aro and polyam stories can be about.
It's refreshing, then, that Gwen is in her mid-50s and has been comfortable with her identity for decades. While the series does address her past struggles as a queer black woman in 1980's London, the story constantly emphasizes how content she is currently as an aromantic allosexual in a polyam marriage. Stories like Gwen's are important because they help to communicate and normalize an ideal future for both younger and elder aro and polyam people where they can feel happy and safe with their identities.
Thanks to @silver-stargazing for the write-up!
