Classic fairy tales have long been a cornerstone of storytelling, passing down moral lessons, cultural values, and timeless archetypes. From Cinderella’s transformation to Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted sleep, these stories often reinforce traditional roles, including heteronormative romance and rigid gender expectations. While they have captivated audiences for centuries, they have also excluded diverse identities, particularly queer representation.
In recent years, authors have reclaimed these tales, infusing them with queer themes to reflect a broader spectrum of human experience. These retellings challenge outdated norms, offering narratives where gender, love, and identity are fluid and expansive. They allow readers—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community—to see themselves in magical worlds that once felt restrictive.
This article will explore how queer themes emerge in fairy tale retellings, the significance of these reinterpretations, and notable books that successfully reimagine classic tales through a queer lens. Whether you’re seeking a new perspective on childhood favorites or discovering fresh stories that embrace inclusivity, this guide will help you navigate the rich world of queer fairy tale retellings.
The Role of Fairy Tales in Cultural Storytelling
Fairy tales have long served as tools for reinforcing societal values. These stories, passed down through generations, often reflect the cultural norms of their time, shaping how people perceive morality, relationships, and identity. Traditional fairy tales frequently emphasize clear distinctions between good and evil, reward characters who conform to societal expectations, and present romance through a heteronormative lens—typically centering on a prince and a princess destined for love.
However, for much of history, queer identities have been absent or even vilified in these narratives. Same-sex love, gender nonconformity, and diverse family structures were rarely depicted, and when they were, they often carried negative connotations. Many classic tales punished characters who strayed from societal norms, reinforcing rigid expectations about gender and relationships. As a result, queer readers and audiences have often had to search for subtext or reinterpretations to see themselves within these stories.
Retelling fairy tales through a queer lens is not just about rewriting history—it’s about expanding the boundaries of who gets to be at the heart of these timeless tales. By reimagining classic stories with LGBTQ+ protagonists, authors challenge outdated ideas and create narratives where love, identity, and family exist beyond traditional constraints. These retellings allow for richer, more inclusive storytelling, giving marginalized voices the space to reclaim the magic of fairy tales in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Common Queer Themes in Fairy Tale Retellings
Queer retellings of classic fairy tales do more than change a character’s gender or sexuality—they redefine the core themes of these stories. By centering LGBTQ+ identities, these narratives explore self-discovery, challenge outdated tropes, and present love and belonging in more inclusive ways. Here are some of the most common themes found in queer fairy tale retellings:
Identity and Self-Discovery
Many fairy tales already feature transformation—Cinderella’s rags-to-riches story, the Beast’s return to humanity, or Ariel’s longing to become part of another world. In queer retellings, this transformation often mirrors the journey of self-acceptance, gender exploration, or coming out. Characters may struggle with their identity in restrictive societies, much like traditional fairy tale protagonists must navigate curses or impossible challenges. These stories provide a powerful metaphor for the real-life experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals discovering their true selves.
Breaking Heteronormative Tropes
Classic fairy tales often rely on rigid gender roles: princesses must be rescued, princes are expected to be strong and brave, and love is always between a man and a woman. Queer retellings challenge these assumptions by reimagining roles in fresh ways. Perhaps the princess rescues herself—or another princess. Maybe a nonbinary character embarks on a journey to reclaim their agency. These retellings deconstruct outdated ideals, proving that fairy tale heroes and heroines can take many forms.
Found Family and Belonging
A recurring theme in queer storytelling is the idea of found family—creating deep bonds with those who accept and support you, even when biological relatives do not. Fairy tales often feature protagonists who are orphaned, exiled, or otherwise separated from traditional family structures. Queer retellings lean into this, emphasizing the importance of choosing one’s own community. Whether it’s a band of misfits helping a cursed prince or a lonely mermaid finding acceptance among other outcasts, these stories celebrate the idea that love and belonging are not limited to blood ties.
Love Beyond Gender Norms
Romance in classic fairy tales tends to be predictable, often revolving around a prince and princess who fall in love at first sight. Queer retellings expand these narratives, showing love that isn’t constrained by gender expectations. Same-sex romances, asexual and aromantic protagonists, and fluid relationships all find their place in these reimaginings. By doing so, these stories validate different forms of love and attraction, allowing readers to see that fairy tale romance can be just as magical in many different ways.
By incorporating these themes, queer retellings of fairy tales breathe new life into familiar stories, making them more inclusive and relevant for modern audiences. These narratives prove that everyone deserves a place in the magic of folklore, no matter their identity or whom they love.
Notable Queer Retellings of Classic Fairy Tales
Queer retellings of fairy tales not only update old narratives but also transform them into stories that resonate with a more diverse audience. Many of these retellings challenge traditional tropes while maintaining the magic and wonder of the original tales. Here are some standout examples of how authors have reinvented classic fairy tales through a queer lens.
Cinderella Retellings: Reinventing the Rags-to-Riches Story
The Cinderella story has always been about transformation, making it a perfect candidate for a queer retelling. Instead of focusing solely on a romance with a prince, these versions often emphasize personal agency, gender fluidity, and the search for identity.
- Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron presents a dystopian world where young women must compete for the prince’s hand, but the protagonist rebels and falls in love with another girl instead.
- Ash by Malinda Lo reimagines Cinderella as a grieving young woman who finds solace not in a prince, but in a mysterious huntress.
These retellings shift the focus from passive wish-fulfillment to stories where characters actively shape their destinies.
Sleeping Beauty Variations: Reframing Agency and Consent
The original Sleeping Beauty tale raises complex issues of autonomy, as the princess is often a passive figure in her own story. Queer versions of this tale frequently explore themes of consent, self-discovery, and breaking free from restrictive roles.
- Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells follows a cursed girl whose touch can kill, as she embarks on a journey to reclaim control over her life and love.
- Thornfruit by Felicia Davin introduces a Sleeping Beauty-inspired world with a queer romance at its core, where characters must navigate magical curses and political intrigue.
These versions of Sleeping Beauty emphasize that true agency comes from choice, rather than destiny.
The Little Mermaid: Expanding a Tale Already Rich in Queer Subtext
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid has long been interpreted as a metaphor for queer longing, given Andersen’s own struggles with unrequited same-sex love. Modern retellings lean into this subtext, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and forbidden love.
- The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall features a gender-fluid protagonist who falls for a noblewoman while navigating a world of magic and piracy.
- In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a mysterious boy from the sea, blending adventure with a heartfelt queer romance.
These retellings affirm that The Little Mermaid was always a story about yearning for a world where one can live freely and authentically.
Other Unique Adaptations
Beyond these well-known fairy tales, many authors have reimagined folklore and myth with queer protagonists, creating fresh and compelling narratives.
- Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust is a queer retelling of Snow White, exploring the complexities of female relationships, power, and love.
- Peter Darling by Austin Chant flips Peter Pan into a trans coming-of-age story where Peter returns to Neverland as his true self.
- The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder is a gender-swapped take on Sleeping Beauty, featuring a female treasure hunter who must awaken a cursed prince.
These stories show that fairy tales can evolve, becoming mirrors that reflect the experiences of all readers, including those who have long been excluded from traditional narratives. By embracing queerness, these retellings prove that magic belongs to everyone.
Why These Stories Matter
Queer retellings of fairy tales are more than just fresh takes on familiar stories—they are essential for creating a more inclusive and representative literary landscape. These narratives challenge traditional norms, offer new perspectives, and ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the magic of folklore.
The Importance of Representation in Fantasy and Folklore
Fairy tales have long been a foundational part of storytelling, shaping how we understand love, identity, and morality. However, traditional versions have often reinforced a narrow view of relationships and gender roles, leaving little room for LGBTQ+ identities. By rewriting these stories through a queer lens, authors reclaim these tales and demonstrate that fantasy belongs to everyone.
Representation in literature is crucial because it validates experiences that have historically been erased or ignored. Seeing a protagonist who shares their identity allows queer readers to feel seen and understood, while also exposing all audiences to a broader range of human experiences. When fantasy and folklore include diverse perspectives, they become more expansive, meaningful, and reflective of the real world.
Creating Space for Readers in Timeless Narratives
For generations, queer readers have had to search for subtext in stories that were never explicitly written for them. Queer fairy tale retellings remove the need for interpretation by centering LGBTQ+ characters in the heart of the narrative. These stories allow readers to see themselves as heroes, adventurers, and royalty—not as side characters or tragic figures, but as people who get to experience joy, love, and self-discovery.
Additionally, these retellings expand the definition of what a fairy tale can be. They move beyond the restrictive “happily ever after” trope, showing that happiness comes in many forms—whether it’s through self-acceptance, chosen family, or love that defies traditional norms. By doing so, they create space for readers to imagine new possibilities for themselves.
The Impact on Younger Audiences and Future Storytelling
Queer fairy tale retellings are especially significant for younger readers, who often look to stories to understand themselves and the world around them. When children and teens see LGBTQ+ characters in the books they read, it helps them develop self-acceptance and empathy. For queer youth, these stories can be a lifeline, offering reassurance that they are not alone and that their identities are valid.
Beyond individual impact, these retellings contribute to a larger shift in storytelling. As more authors incorporate queer themes into folklore and fantasy, these narratives become part of the mainstream literary tradition. This not only normalizes LGBTQ+ identities in literature but also encourages future generations of writers to continue expanding the boundaries of storytelling.
Ultimately, queer retellings of fairy tales matter because they reclaim, reinvent, and redefine stories that have shaped cultures for centuries. They prove that fairy tales are not relics of the past but evolving narratives that can reflect the diversity of the world we live in today.
Recommendations for Readers
For those eager to explore queer fairy tale retellings, there is a growing collection of books that reinvent classic stories with LGBTQ+ protagonists and themes. Whether you enjoy whimsical romance, dark fantasy, or adventurous reimaginings, there’s a perfect fairy tale retelling for you. Below is a curated list of must-read titles, categorized by style and tone.
Romantic and Whimsical Retellings
For readers who love dreamy, heartfelt stories with enchanting romance:
- Ash by Malinda Lo – A sapphic retelling of Cinderella, blending romance with themes of grief and self-discovery.
- The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder – A gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty retelling featuring a female treasure hunter and a cursed prince.
- So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens – A humorous take on fairy tale tropes, where a newly crowned king must marry to secure his kingdom.
Dark Fantasy and Gothic Retellings
For those who prefer atmospheric, haunting reimaginings with deeper, often sinister themes:
- Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust – A Snow White-inspired story with a feminist and sapphic twist.
- Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells – A dark Sleeping Beauty retelling featuring a girl with a deadly touch.
- The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska – A Beauty and the Beast-like tale set in a world where a girl must be sacrificed to the sea to prevent disaster.
Action-Packed and Adventurous Retellings
For readers who love fast-paced stories with magic, battles, and thrilling quests:
- Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron – A dystopian Cinderella retelling where women must rebel against a patriarchal society.
- The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall – A gender-fluid pirate adventure inspired by The Little Mermaid.
- In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens – A swashbuckling fantasy featuring a prince and a mysterious boy from the sea.
Where to Find These Books
These books can be found in various formats, from mainstream publishers to independent authors. Many are available through major bookstores, online retailers, and libraries. For those looking to support indie authors and publishers, platforms like Bookshop.org, independent bookstores, and LGBTQ+ book subscription services often carry these titles.
Whether you’re new to queer fairy tale retellings or looking for your next favorite book, these stories offer magic, representation, and a fresh perspective on beloved classics. Happy reading!
Conclusion
Fairy tales have always evolved, shifting to reflect the values and beliefs of the times in which they are told. Queer retellings are a natural extension of this evolution, transforming familiar narratives into inclusive stories that celebrate diverse identities, relationships, and experiences. By reimagining these timeless tales through a queer lens, authors are not only challenging outdated norms but also ensuring that more readers can see themselves reflected in the magic of folklore.
Supporting diverse stories is essential to keeping literature fresh, meaningful, and representative of the world we live in today. Whether by reading books from LGBTQ+ authors, recommending them to others, or purchasing from independent bookstores, readers play a vital role in encouraging the creation of more inclusive narratives.
What’s your favorite queer fairy tale retelling? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the discussion going and continue discovering new, magical stories together!
