Nance Sparks is a reader who understands the importance of representation in literature. As an avid reader, she often struggled to find characters who mirrored her own identity and experiences. Like many individuals in marginalized communities, finding relatable characters in books was a rare and cherished experience for Sparks. However, everything changed when she discovered the novel „Curious Wine“ by Katherine V. Forrest in her mid-20s. This 2011 book has since become a classic lesbian romance novel that resonates deeply with Sparks.
Upon reading „Curious Wine,“ Sparks finally saw her desires and lifestyle reflected in a story. This pivotal moment inspired Sparks to pursue her own writing career, focusing on lesbian romance novels. Living in south-central Wisconsin with her spouse, Sparks has become an award-winning author, contributing to the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ characters in literature.
In the past, major publishers rarely featured same-sex couples in romance novels. However, by 2022, every large publisher in the United States was releasing romances that included LGBTQ+ characters. Despite this progress, books featuring LGBTQ+ characters are still subject to bans in schools. According to the Washington Post, LGBTQ+ themed books were 30 percent more likely to be banned during the 2021-22 school year. Despite these challenges, society is gradually becoming more open to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, leading to a positive shift in the book market.
Sales of LGBTQ+ romance novels have surged in recent years, with a 173 percent increase reported since 2019 by Circana, a market research firm. Sparks believes that love transcends gender and sexual orientation, emphasizing that the emotional depth and tension in a story can resonate with readers regardless of their own identities.
Lee Pulaski, a Shawano author, has also contributed to the LGBTQ+ romance genre with over 20 gay romance novels. Pulaski noted that many readers of LGBTQ+ fiction do not necessarily align with the gender or sexual orientation of the characters in the stories. As a gay man, Pulaski was surprised to learn that many of his readers were heterosexual women, showcasing the universal appeal of love stories.
Pulaski draws inspiration from Wisconsin locations to create diverse and inclusive love stories. He highlights the beauty of love blossoming in unexpected settings, emphasizing that love knows no boundaries, whether in a big city, small town, or remote island.
Both Sparks and Pulaski shared their LGBTQ+ romance novel recommendations on WPR’s „Wisconsin Today.“ Pulaski recommended novels such as „The Chocolate Works“ by Robin Knight, „A Forbidden Rumspringa“ by Keira Andrews, „Dinner at Home“ by Rick R. Reed, and „Cowboy Seeks Husband“ by Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn.
Sparks recommended novels like „All Things Beautiful“ by Alaina Erdell, „The Rules of Forever“ by Nan Campbell, „Unbreakable“ by Cari Hunter, and „Finding Jessica Lambert“ by Clare Ashton. These recommendations showcase the diverse and vibrant stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters that are available to readers.
In conclusion, the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ characters in literature reflects a growing acceptance and celebration of diverse identities and love stories. Authors like Nance Sparks and Lee Pulaski are at the forefront of this movement, creating inclusive and compelling narratives that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. As society continues to evolve, LGBTQ+ romance novels offer a space for readers to explore the beauty of love in all its forms.
