This research paper will examine the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in the fantasy book genre over the last two decades. In particular, the investigation will examine the shift in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters from tragic and two-dimensional to complex and relatable individuals. The fantasy genre is known to subvert social norms through its suspension of reality and has been at the forefront of the shift in diversity and representation; however, there is a lack of scholarly research on the impact of the fantasy book genre and LGBTQ+ representation. To examine this shift, four methods will be employed: an autoethnography (as I am an avid reader and have recognized this shift); a discourse analysis of fourteen fantasy books; an online survey of reader experience, and finally interviews with six members of the reading community. I anticipate that other readers will have noticed this shift in representation as I did as well as create an open conversation into where the fantasy genre still needs work. This study will contribute to the extensive research into the trends of LGBTQ+ representation within media as well as fill in the gaps of research when it comes to the fantasy genre’s involvement in this area.
