Writing LBGT without addressing the "issue"?

[posted this in the Other Genres forum, but since it is YA lit I'm posting here too]

I'm currently toying with the idea of the main character in my current story being bisexual (or possibly a lesbian). However, I don't want to focus on the prejudice surrounding homosexuality in the story. I want to write their relationship like I'd write any straight relationship, without all the angst of being outcasts from society because that's really just not relevant to the plot and I feel it would make things lag a bit.

However, I haven't ever read/seen anything LBGT where the fact that the character was gay wasn't made into a major plot point. Which annoys me, as it would be nice to read a book or watch a TV show about people like me without them having a huge storyline revolving around it, re-inforcing how "abnormal" they are. You don't get straight characters having every scene focussed on how straight they are...

Anyway, my point is, is this a no-go area? If I were to try to get something like this published, do you think readers would be annoyed that the stigma of homosexuality is barely touched upon? It's not that I'm looking to write something where the characters are gay and everyone's cool with it, because obviously that's annoyingly unrealistic. But I just don't plan on involving loads of scenes where prejudice would be an issue, and I don't want the girl to have huge inner conflicts about her liking girls. I'm sure there are some people who, like me, never had a huge issue with being bisexual.

I don't know, this is getting long now. Just want to know your thoughts :)

I think it would be refreshing. My story is about a teenage boy who falls in love with another guy, and though there's a few instances of inner conflict (because of the character's father), I tried to avoid it as much as I can, and since the character knows that what he feels is ok, it's not an issue that screams "dwell on me, DWELL ON ME!" So I try to write it like you said, like one would write any straight relationship.

I think there needs to be more books with GLBT characters who's story is treated like that of anyone else, regardless of sexual orientation. I say go for it. There are definitely people out there who are who they are and don't agonize over it, and that deserves to be recognized. If you're character doesn't have a problem with her sexuality, and no one around her is bugging her about it, that's fine and dandy. Go forth with it!

I'd like to read such a story. Not because I think homophobia is a thing of the past, but because I like to read interesting stories, and I like interesting characters. Not all interesting characters are straight, so I'd like to see them in stories that aren't about them not being straight.

Thank you both! I feel more reassured about it now :)

From what I've seen on the YA scene, most people ASK for LGBT stuff that isn't about "the issue." There are so many books already out there about coming out, being outcasted, dealing with the aftermath, etc. and there aren't enough books where characters "just happen to be" L G B or T.

If anything, readers who seek YA LGBT books would probably love the fact that you've gotten away from the "issue" and explored another area. Aside from having to deal with society's outlook, they're just like straight teens. They have feelings and friendships and relationships, and they deal with the same issues every teen faces (peer pressure, sex, drugs, parents, friends, drama, school, etc). There aren't enough stories that focus on these things that are LGBT.

My NaNovel (which is still unfinished) was about a (gay) boy who was dealing with a breakup, falling for a new guy, and being swept up in a secret brotherhood of not-so-typical game hunters. His sexuality isn't the point of the story, although he does meet his love interest at an LGBT support group. His issues with his ex are part of his inner conflict, but it's not b/c of his sexuality. He's just a teen dealing with a bad breakup.

I applaud you (and others who've posted) for writing this. :)

I've read books without someone's sexual orientation being the main point, and books where it is. Becoming Chloe- awesome book with a gay protagonist who just happens to be gay. Doesn't even fall in love or have a partner. Where She Went- another awesome book, where the drummer in the guy's band is a lesbian and has a girlfriend. Really loved that, actually- she's just a minor character, not even all that important, but homosexual. It felt so real of the author.

I think it's about time. I like a good coming-out story, but we need gay characters who do more than that!

People are starting to do more supporting characters who are just gay, and it's no big deal. What I'd like to see is more adult characters in YA who are gay without the 'issue'.

Do what's best for your plot and your characters.