Queerness and speculative fiction have long been intertwined, with fantasy serving as a rich backdrop for exploring identity, transformation, and self-discovery. Magic itself, with its ability to reshape reality, mirrors the personal journeys of many queer individuals who navigate self-acceptance, chosen identity, and the forging of community beyond traditional norms.
For decades, LGBTQIA+ readers have found solace in fantasy worlds where characters defy rigid definitions of self, stepping into their power through magic, metamorphosis, or defiance of destiny. In recent years, queer authors have actively reclaimed this narrative tool, crafting stories where magic is not just a metaphor for queerness but a means of celebrating it. These stories champion the concept of found family—where love, acceptance, and belonging arise from bonds chosen rather than assigned by birth.
Magic as a Symbol of Self-Discovery
Fantasy has long used magic as a metaphor for self-discovery, making it a natural parallel for queer identity. Just as many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience a journey of realizing, accepting, and embracing who they are, characters in fantasy often uncover hidden powers, grapple with secret identities, and face the fear of being “found out.” This connection makes magical narratives deeply resonant for queer readers.
Common Themes in Queer Fantasy
- Hidden Powers as a Reflection of Queerness – Many queer characters in fantasy discover magic within themselves, often kept secret due to societal rejection. This mirrors real-world experiences of concealing one’s true identity for fear of discrimination.
- Secret Identities and the Fear of Exposure – Fantasy protagonists frequently struggle with the risk of being discovered, echoing the anxiety of coming out. The tension between authenticity and safety is a recurring theme.
- Transformation and Rebirth – Magic often allows characters to reshape their identity, embracing who they truly are. This speaks to the power of self-acceptance and the joy of living openly.
Examples from LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Books
- “The Black Tides of Heaven” by Neon Yang – This novella follows Akeha, a child raised in a rigid society where gender is not assigned at birth but chosen later. Their journey of discovering both their magical abilities and their nonbinary identity is a powerful allegory for self-determination.
- “Silver in the Wood” by Emily Tesh – Tobias, a man with an ancient, magical connection to the forest, finds himself drawn to Henry, an inquisitive scholar. Their slow-burn romance unfolds alongside Tobias’s journey of embracing his past and his place in the world.
- “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas – Yadriel, a trans boy from a traditional Latinx family of brujx, seeks to prove himself as a real brujo. His magic and identity are deeply intertwined, making his journey of self-acceptance both personal and supernatural.
Through these stories, queer fantasy affirms that self-discovery—whether through magic or identity—is an empowering process, one that transforms not only individuals but also the communities they choose to build.
Chosen Families and Magical Communities
In both real life and fantasy, the concept of “chosen family” plays a central role in the queer experience. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who face rejection from biological families, find strength and solace in building communities of support and care. In fantasy fiction, magic serves as a powerful tool to create these spaces of belonging and empowerment, where characters can form deep, meaningful connections outside traditional family structures.
Found Family as a Reflection of Queer Experiences
For many queer people, the idea of family can be complex. While blood relations may not always offer the love or acceptance needed, found families—formed through chosen bonds—become essential. These families are forged through shared experiences, love, and mutual respect. In speculative fiction, this theme is often reflected through magical communities where the ties between individuals go beyond biological connection, offering a space for healing, acceptance, and love.
In fantasy worlds, characters often form magical covenants, guilds, or communities that operate as family units. These communities don’t just offer safety; they allow individuals to be their most authentic selves, embracing their identities without fear of rejection or harm.
Magic as a Means of Creating Empowering Spaces
In many queer fantasy novels, magic serves as a means of creating empowerment, not just individually but collectively. The magic itself can represent the unique qualities that make each person special, and the communities that arise are built on the idea of supporting each other’s growth and self-acceptance. Whether it’s through shared rituals, enchanted bonds, or collective power, these magical spaces become sanctuaries where individuals find their true selves.
Notable Books Featuring Chosen Families and Magical Systems
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – This heartwarming novel centers around Linus Baker, a by-the-book government worker who is sent to a mysterious orphanage for magical children. Through his time with these children and their caregiver, Arthur, Linus experiences the transformative power of chosen family. The magical abilities of the children in the house represent their individuality, but it is the love and care they share that bind them together.
- “Witchmark” by C.L. Polk – Set in a magical world with class divisions, this book follows Miles Singer, a war hero with magical abilities, and his journey to uncover dark secrets while forming a deep bond with Tristan, a healer. The pair builds a found family as they navigate the complexities of love, trust, and personal discovery in a society that seeks to control them.
- “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon – In this epic fantasy, multiple perspectives come together, including that of Tané, a dragon-rider, and her chosen family of fellow dragon-riders. The strength of these magical communities, bound by loyalty and shared mission, exemplifies the importance of chosen family in creating spaces of safety, empowerment, and belonging.
These works showcase how magic can be a vehicle for creating powerful, inclusive communities where characters are empowered not by their biological ties but by their shared bonds and acceptance. Just as queer individuals create chosen families in the real world, fantasy allows for the celebration of these connections in ways that affirm identity, autonomy, and love.
Transformation, Shape-Shifting, and Fluidity
In fantasy literature, transformation and shape-shifting are potent metaphors for gender fluidity, personal growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. These magical elements allow characters to transcend rigid boundaries and explore multiple facets of their identity, much like the experiences of many queer individuals. The ability to change form—whether through magic, alchemy, or shapeshifting—becomes a tool for exploring and expressing the fluidity of gender and identity, central themes in many queer narratives.
Metaphors of Transformation and Gender Fluidity
Transformation in fantasy often symbolizes a deeper journey of self-discovery, where characters evolve not just physically but emotionally and mentally. For queer individuals, the metaphor of transformation resonates deeply, as many struggle to reconcile internal identity with external expectations. Magic becomes a way to physically manifest the fluidity of gender, allowing characters to express their truth in ways that transcend societal norms.
Shape-shifting, in particular, is a powerful tool for exploring gender fluidity. The ability to change form represents the rejection of fixed identity categories and embraces a spectrum of possibilities. Characters can embody different genders, or even no gender at all, navigating their identities in ways that are both magical and deeply personal.
Shapeshifters, Alchemy, and Magical Changes in Queer Narratives
- Shapeshifters – In many fantasy novels, shapeshifters are able to physically change their form, and this ability is often linked to personal freedom and self-expression. The shapeshifter’s journey of transformation reflects the fluidity and complexity of gender, as they can inhabit multiple identities, sometimes fluidly switching between forms.
- Alchemy – Alchemy, often a process of transformation or transmutation, can also be used as a metaphor for the search for identity and self-acceptance. Just as alchemists work to turn base materials into gold, characters may undergo personal metamorphoses, evolving into a more authentic version of themselves.
- Magical Changes – The magic of transformation in queer fantasy allows characters to explore their identities in an expansive way, reflecting the idea that identity is not fixed, but rather, it can be fluid and dynamic. These magical transformations often emphasize personal growth and the healing power of embracing one’s true self.
Case Studies of Books that Explore Transformation
- “The Fifth Sacred Thing” by Starhawk – This novel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the characters’ magical practices are tied to the concepts of healing, renewal, and transformation. The community in the book embraces a fluid, inclusive worldview, where gender and identity are not constrained by traditional roles. The magical acts of transformation in the story mirror the characters’ journeys toward embracing their true, multifaceted selves.
- “The Song of the Shattered Sands” series by Bradley P. Beaulieu – This series features characters with the ability to undergo physical transformations through the practice of blood magic. The protagonist, for example, has the power to shift her form as part of a larger journey of personal discovery and overcoming societal expectations. Her transformations reflect both her inner struggle and her liberation.
- “An Unkindness of Ghosts” by Rivers Solomon – Aster, the novel’s protagonist, is a gender nonconforming individual aboard a spaceship where rigid social structures are enforced. The ship’s inhabitants undergo medical transformations to change their physical forms, but these transformations are not just about survival—they’re also about the fluidity of identity and the personal quest for self-acceptance, highlighting the relationship between body and identity.
Through transformation and shape-shifting, queer fantasy creates spaces where characters can redefine themselves, explore the boundaries of their identities, and fully embrace their fluidity. These magical transformations offer a powerful reflection of the queer experience, demonstrating how the power of change—both internal and external—can lead to greater self-awareness, acceptance, and freedom.
Forbidden Magic and Societal Rejection
In many queer fantasy stories, magic is not only a tool for personal empowerment but also a symbol of resistance against oppressive systems. Stories where magic is outlawed or misunderstood often parallel the historical and contemporary experiences of queer communities, who have faced rejection, criminalization, and marginalization. These narratives, where magic is considered forbidden or dangerous, are a poignant reflection of how societies have often sought to suppress queerness—whether through laws, stigmatization, or violence.
Magic as a Metaphor for Queer Oppression
The outlawing or suppression of magic in fantasy worlds serves as a direct metaphor for the persecution of queer individuals. Just as magic is often misunderstood, feared, or outlawed by authorities in these fictional worlds, queer people have historically been treated as abnormal or dangerous by mainstream society. The fear of the unknown—whether it’s magic or queerness—has often led to the enforcement of harmful norms, and characters who practice magic in these narratives frequently find themselves at odds with a society that refuses to accept them.
In many cases, magical practitioners—like queer individuals—are forced to hide their abilities or identities, often facing severe consequences if they are discovered. These stories shed light on the emotional and social isolation that marginalized groups endure, while also showcasing the strength it takes to resist oppressive systems.
Magic as a Form of Resistance
In these narratives, magic becomes a tool of resistance. Characters who practice forbidden magic often do so in defiance of unjust societal norms, using their abilities to fight back against inequality, discrimination, or exploitation. Magic offers a means of reclaiming agency, empowerment, and self-expression in a world that seeks to control and suppress. Much like the queer community’s struggle for visibility, rights, and acceptance, the use of forbidden magic becomes a powerful statement of individuality and defiance against oppression.
Through their magical acts, these characters push back against restrictive systems, ultimately challenging the very societal norms that demonize them. Whether they are fighting for their right to love openly, express themselves authentically, or simply exist without fear, their acts of rebellion reflect the struggles faced by marginalized groups in real life.
Examples from Books Where Magic Mirrors Societal Marginalization
- “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi – In this novel, magic is tightly controlled by the elite, and those who practice it outside the sanctioned rules are labeled as criminals. The protagonists, who come from marginalized backgrounds, are forced to hide their magical abilities in a world that seeks to suppress them. The story reflects the marginalization of those who do not conform to societal expectations, with magic symbolizing their resistance and strength in the face of a system that seeks to erase them.
- “The Bone Shard Daughter” by Andrea Stewart – In this world, magic is closely tied to the ruling class, and the people who possess magical abilities are seen as dangerous and subversive. The oppression of magical practitioners in this society mirrors the experiences of queer individuals who have historically been treated as threats. Characters who practice magic often find themselves hunted and rejected by society, but they also use their powers to resist an unjust regime, illustrating how magic can be a form of defiance and a tool for change.
- “Witchmark” by C.L. Polk – Set in a world where magic is a tightly controlled resource, the story explores the lives of individuals who are oppressed for their magical abilities. The protagonist, Miles Singer, is part of a marginalized class and uses his magic to fight back against an oppressive system that seeks to control his life and identity. The novel highlights the connection between societal marginalization and the control of magical abilities, drawing clear parallels to real-world issues of queer oppression.
- “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon – In this world, the dominant society’s fear of magical beings (including dragons and their riders) mirrors the way in which certain societal groups view marginalized communities, particularly queer individuals. The protagonists’ use of magic as a means of survival and resistance speaks to the larger fight for autonomy, agency, and acceptance in an oppressive world.
These works show how forbidden magic in fantasy can serve as a metaphor for societal rejection and marginalization, drawing powerful parallels to the struggles faced by queer communities. Just as magic becomes a tool for resistance in these stories, so too does the fight for equality and acceptance continue to be a form of resistance in the real world. Through their use of magic, characters in these books affirm the idea that self-expression, authenticity, and love should never be suppressed.
Queerness as an Innate Power
In many queer fantasy narratives, magic is not solely a means of struggle or resistance, but also a source of joy, strength, and self-acceptance. As queer individuals increasingly embrace their identities with pride, so too do magical characters in speculative fiction begin to recognize that their abilities are not burdens or anomalies, but essential parts of who they are. This shift in perspective moves beyond the traditional tropes of magical characters fighting for survival or struggling against societal norms, instead celebrating their queerness and magic as integral, powerful aspects of their being. These stories affirm the message that queerness—and by extension, magic—can be sources of empowerment and liberation.
Moving Beyond Struggle: Embracing Magic (and Queerness) as a Source of Joy
Traditionally, many fantasy novels, particularly those featuring marginalized characters, focus heavily on the struggle to survive or be accepted. While these stories are vital for highlighting the challenges faced by queer individuals, there is also an emerging trend of stories that emphasize the joy, creativity, and freedom that come with embracing one’s identity—whether that identity is queer, magical, or both.
In these narratives, magic is not simply something that enables the characters to fight or resist, but something that enriches their lives, provides them with joy, and allows them to connect more deeply with others. This reframing allows magic to function as a symbol for queer empowerment, where embracing one’s full identity—without shame or fear—is the key to unlocking personal strength. Queerness is portrayed not as a condition to be fixed or hidden, but as a natural, vital force that fuels personal and communal growth.
Stories That Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Identities Without Centering Trauma
More and more queer fantasy stories are choosing to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities without relying on trauma or victimhood as central plot devices. These works focus instead on the beauty of queer relationships, the richness of diverse identities, and the power that comes from embracing who you truly are.
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – This novel centers on Linus Baker, a government worker who is sent to investigate an orphanage for magical children. The story is full of light, humor, and tenderness, with no emphasis on trauma. Instead, the book celebrates the found family created by Linus and the magical children, all of whom embrace their identities without shame. The positive portrayal of queer characters, especially in the context of found family and magical powers, serves as a refreshing break from narratives that center pain or struggle.
- “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston – Though not a traditional fantasy novel, this romantic comedy features magic in the form of the transformative power of love and self-acceptance. The romance between the First Son of the United States and the Prince of Wales is not defined by the trauma of coming out, but by the joy of finding love in an unexpected place. The book joyously celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity, with magic-like moments of self-discovery and empowerment.
- “A Marvellous Light” by Freya Marske – Set in an early 20th-century world where magic is real, this novel follows two men, Robin Blyth and Edwin Courcey, who uncover a magical conspiracy. Their relationship evolves alongside their growing magical abilities, and the story is a celebration of their romance, without any emphasis on the trauma often associated with queerness. The book focuses on the magic of their bond, both romantic and magical, highlighting how queerness can be a source of joy and fulfillment.
Authors Shifting the Narrative Toward Empowerment
Several authors are leading the way in reshaping the narrative around queerness in fantasy, moving beyond tragedy and focusing on joy, empowerment, and self-acceptance.
- TJ Klune – With works like The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door, Klune has become a leading voice in queer fantasy. His stories are filled with heartwarming moments, where queer characters embrace who they are in a supportive environment. His work avoids the focus on societal rejection, instead celebrating love, growth, and the magic of acceptance.
- Casey McQuiston – Known for Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop, McQuiston’s work celebrates queer identity through romance, humor, and joy. Their novels offer a hopeful, magical quality where characters navigate the complexities of love and identity without being defined by trauma or oppression.
- Freya Marske – Through A Marvellous Light, Marske explores a magical world where queerness is not only accepted but embraced. Her characters use their magical abilities not only to fight external threats but also to discover their own self-worth, making her work a beacon of empowerment for queer readers.
These authors, along with others, are proving that queerness and magic are sources of strength and self-acceptance, not just struggles to overcome. By shifting the narrative to focus on joy, empowerment, and connection, they’re providing readers with stories where queerness isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in the magic of who you are.
Conclusion
Magic has long been a powerful metaphor for LGBTQIA+ identity in speculative fiction, offering a compelling way to explore themes of self-discovery, transformation, resistance, and empowerment. Whether used to symbolize the fluidity of gender, the creation of chosen families, or the embrace of one’s true self, magic reflects the diverse and often complex experiences of queer individuals. It serves as both a tool for personal growth and a symbol of the strength found in embracing one’s authenticity, no matter how society may try to suppress it. In this way, magic is not only a fantastical element—it is a profound representation of the power of queerness itself.
The Importance of Queer Representation in Fantasy Literature
Queer representation in fantasy literature is vital, offering both an escape and a mirror for readers who see themselves reflected in the stories. It’s crucial to have narratives that not only depict the struggles of queer individuals but also celebrate their joy, resilience, and capacity for love. Fantasy, with its boundless creativity, offers a unique space where these stories can flourish, pushing past traditional boundaries to explore identities and relationships in ways that are both liberating and affirming.
Through queer characters and magical worlds, readers are invited into stories where they can feel seen, heard, and understood, while also witnessing the transformative power of magic and queerness. As more LGBTQIA+ authors continue to bring their perspectives and experiences to the genre, the future of fantasy literature looks brighter, offering more diverse, empowering, and joyful narratives for all readers.
Recommendations for Readers Looking to Explore These Themes Further
For those interested in diving deeper into the intersection of queerness and magic, here are some excellent books that explore these themes with nuance, joy, and depth:
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – A heartwarming story about a government worker who discovers a magical orphanage full of children with extraordinary powers. This novel beautifully explores chosen family, acceptance, and queer love in a world where magic is both a mystery and a source of empowerment.
- “The Black Tides of Heaven” by Neon Yang – Set in a world of gods and gender-fluid characters, this book delves into themes of identity, power, and rebellion. The protagonists’ magical abilities are tightly interwoven with their gender identity, making it an ideal exploration of the fluidity of both magic and self.
- “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas – This story centers on a trans boy, Yadriel, who seeks to prove himself as a brujo (a practitioner of magic) and navigates love, loss, and self-acceptance. The narrative weaves together themes of queerness, magic, and family, offering a fresh perspective on identity and belonging.
- “Witchmark” by C.L. Polk – Set in a world where magic is tightly controlled by the ruling class, this novel explores themes of social justice, personal freedom, and queer love. The main character’s ability to manipulate magic becomes a metaphor for both resistance and self-empowerment.
- “A Marvellous Light” by Freya Marske – A historical fantasy with a rich magical system, this novel features a slow-burn romance between two men and explores the complexities of magic, identity, and class. It celebrates queer relationships without relying on trauma or hardship as the central plot.
These books provide diverse perspectives on queerness and magic, offering readers not only engaging stories but also powerful representations of LGBTQIA+ identity. By exploring these works, readers can experience the transformative potential of both magic and queerness, while also finding a deeper connection to themselves and the worlds around them.
