LGBTQIA+ Romances in Science Fiction and Fantasy

The LGBTQIA+ Romances in Science Fiction and Fantasy panel of NYCC was held in the literary panel room on the first floor, featuring three up-and-coming authors Emery Robin (The Stars Undying), Maiga Doocy (Sorcery and Small Magics), and K. M. Enright (The Mistress of Lies).

The panel opened with the moderator asking the three panelists what their first encounter with LGBTQIA+ characters in science fiction and fantasy. Doocy and Enright both cited fanfiction, while Robin cited the historical play The Lion in Winter. As an attendee hoping to watch a discussion of the history of LGBTQIA+ representation in genre fiction, this opening successfully reframed my expectations for the panel.

The authors proceeded to discuss different aspects of their work. In discussing the appeal of science fiction and fantasy, Robin made the point that readers desire experiences with an element of escapism, but reflecting their lived experiences, including the effects of patriarchy and homophobia. Enright concurred, adding that that was the beauty of SFF.

After fifteen minutes of Q+A from the moderator, the panel opened up to questions from the floor. When asked why write LGBTQIA+ characters in fiction, Robin said, “I don’t think straight people are very interesting,” to laughter from the audience, while Enright said, “There’s a strong element of ‘why not’” and Doocy said, “It never occurred to me to write anything else.”

The authors discussed their writing processes, book recommendations, and favorite titles from the research they did for their novels. Doocy stated that playing Dungeons and Dragons every week helped her work out the logistical particulars of her narrative, and that her major inspirations while writing her cozy fantasy novel were Howl’s Moving Castle and the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.

When offering advice to aspiring authors, Doocy’s recommendation was, “The broader you can live, the broader you can write.” Enright, who had worked in publishing prior to becoming an author, told the audience to remember that everyone is human and to give grace regarding deadlines and response times. All three authors stressed the importance of having a support network and people to read your work before publication.

Doocy’s novel, Sorcery and Small Magics, is a queer cozy fantasy featuring a rivals to lovers dynamic. Robin’s novel, The Stars Undying, is a sapphic space opera retelling of the life of Cleopatra. Enright’s The Mistress of Lies is a polyamorous dark fantasy about vampires.

All three authors had only recently published their debut novels, with Maiga Doocy’s Sorcery and Small Magics publishing on October 15, less than a week before NYCC. Though the panel description and title seemed to imply a celebration of LGBTQIA+ romances in science fiction and fantasy generally, the panel focus was on promoting these new titles, and both the panelists and moderator seemed underprepared. I’m sure future panels will be more substantial, once these authors gain more experience.

Stay tuned for more NYCC ’24 coverage from The Beat.