There’s something timeless about magical societies in fantasy fiction. From ancient forests guarded by ageless elves to secret realms ruled by whimsical fairies, these otherworldly spaces have long captured our imagination. They invite us into places where the rules of the real world fall away—where transformation, difference, and magic are not only possible but essential to survival and identity.
In recent years, fantasy has become a fertile ground for exploring queerness through the lens of mythical beings. Elves with fluid genders, fairies who defy binary thinking, and shapeshifters who embody transformation offer powerful metaphors for LGBTQIA+ experience. These characters often exist outside traditional norms—social, physical, or moral—mirroring the journeys and identities of queer individuals in our own world.
Representation in fantasy matters deeply, especially when it comes to non-human or liminal characters. By stepping outside human constraints, authors can explore identity, desire, and community in radically imaginative ways. Magical beings allow us to ask: What might gender and love look like in a world unbound by our assumptions? And more importantly: What if queerness were not only accepted, but woven into the heart of the world itself?
In this guide, we’ll explore how fantasy fiction reimagines queer existence through elves, fairies, and other magical beings. You’ll find a selection of standout titles, thoughtful commentary on themes, and tips for curating your own reading list that celebrates the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities in fantastical settings. Whether you’re a longtime fan of queer fantasy or just beginning your journey, this guide offers a doorway into some of the genre’s most affirming and imaginative stories.
The Role of Queerness in Myth and Fantasy
Fantasy fiction has always been a genre where the margins become central—where the “other” is given space to exist, thrive, and even reshape the world. From ancient myths to modern novels, magical beings have often embodied forms of difference that resonate deeply with queer experiences.
In traditional folklore, beings like elves, fairies, and spirits are frequently portrayed as existing outside human norms. They are timeless, ageless, often genderless or fluid in their expression. These qualities position them as ideal metaphors for queerness, allowing writers and readers alike to explore identities that challenge binaries and expectations. Magical societies become mirrors—not of the world as it is, but of how it might be if queerness were normalized, empowered, or even revered.
Historically, these beings have been tied to liminality—the state of being in-between. Elves live at the edges of human civilization, fairies flit between worlds, and shapeshifters move fluidly between forms. This liminality closely parallels the lived experiences of many LGBTQIA+ individuals, who often navigate cultural, social, or personal thresholds in their identities.
Folkloric traditions across cultures reinforce this connection. In Celtic myth, fairies were neither fully good nor evil and often defied gender roles. Scandinavian stories included huldras and elves with ambiguous appearances and behaviors. Even changelings—children swapped by fairies—speak to ideas of hidden identity, transformation, and social exclusion. Meanwhile, shapeshifters, from Japanese kitsune to Native American skinwalkers, express the fluidity of self that resonates strongly with transgender and nonbinary experiences.
By drawing on these archetypes, contemporary fantasy writers are reclaiming and reshaping mythical beings to reflect a fuller spectrum of identity. These characters aren’t just metaphors—they are representations. They offer a vision of queerness that is magical, powerful, and wholly integrated into the fabric of their worlds.
Notable Examples in Modern Queer Fantasy
Queer fantasy literature continues to expand the ways magical beings reflect diverse identities, offering readers stories where queerness is not only visible but central to the worldbuilding. Below are key examples of how elves, fairies, and other magical beings serve as vessels for queer representation in modern works.
Elves
Elves have long been depicted as elegant, immortal, and androgynous—traits that lend themselves naturally to gender fluidity and queer identity. In many stories, elves exist beyond rigid binaries of age, gender, and even morality, creating space for interpretations that align with LGBTQIA+ experiences.
A powerful example is The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, where elvish and draconic cultures are central to the plot. The novel features strong queer characters in positions of political and magical influence, including sapphic relationships that are treated as normal within the story’s universe. The treatment of queerness as a natural part of the world—rather than an issue to be solved—is especially resonant.
Fairies / Fae
Fairies, or fae, are often portrayed as boundary-crossers—beings who disrupt expectations of behavior, identity, and even time. Their association with transformation and trickery makes them ideal figures for exploring fluidity in both gender and sexuality.
In Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, the fae mythology is reimagined through a tender, slow-burn romance between two male characters. While the story draws on British folklore, it centers queer longing, nature-based magic, and a relationship that feels timeless.
Though not focused on fae specifically, An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon blends science fiction and fantasy elements in a story that features a deeply queer cast of characters, including intersex and nonbinary identities. Solomon’s work often blurs the line between genre and myth, using speculative frameworks to challenge assumptions about identity, power, and survival.
Other Magical Beings
Spirits, shapeshifters, witches, and dragons appear frequently as metaphorical or literal embodiments of queerness in fantasy literature. These beings are untethered to fixed form or identity, making them rich territory for stories about transition, nonconformity, and reclamation.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is a standout example. While the story centers on magical children, it features a loving gay relationship between two caretakers and presents a magical society where difference is met with compassion and care. One child character is even the literal Antichrist—used here as a symbol for misunderstood identity—and is treated with love and humanity.
The Four Profound Weaves by R.B. Lemberg introduces a desert world shaped by ancient magic and centered on a trans elder protagonist. It explores transformation, exile, and self-discovery through a deeply symbolic and lyrical narrative. Magical beings and woven spells become metaphors for gender transition and the search for home and selfhood.
These works show how queer fantasy is evolving. Rather than using magical beings as subtle metaphors, today’s authors are placing queer identities at the heart of their worlds—told with tenderness, complexity, and imaginative depth.
Recommended Reading List
This curated list offers a selection of titles that highlight queer representation through various types of mythical beings. From ethereal elves to boundary-defying fairies and richly imagined magical societies, these works showcase the diversity and depth of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy settings. Each title is a gateway into a world where queerness and magic intertwine seamlessly.
Elves
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison This standalone political fantasy centers on Maia, the half-goblin son of an elven emperor, who unexpectedly inherits the throne. While not explicitly a queer romance, the novel features a richly developed protagonist who struggles with identity, alienation, and moral leadership. The elvish society portrayed here is complex, and Maia’s sensitivity, emotional vulnerability, and resistance to traditional power structures resonate deeply with queer readers seeking representation through introspective, marginalized heroes.
Fairies
In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire Part of the Wayward Children series, this novella follows Lundy, a rule-bound girl who finds a door into a faerie realm governed by logic and bargains. The story explores themes of choice, identity, and belonging—key to many queer coming-of-age experiences. McGuire’s fae worlds often defy normative gender roles, and the series as a whole is notable for its inclusion of trans, asexual, and nonbinary characters across different books.
Magical Societies
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske Set in Edwardian England, this historical fantasy blends magic, mystery, and romance. The story follows a civil servant who is accidentally inducted into a hidden magical society and begins a relationship with his assigned magical counterpart. Their queer romance unfolds amid spells, conspiracies, and repressed desire, offering both a love story and a reimagining of history where magic and queerness are beautifully entwined.
The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang The first in the Tensorate series, this novella introduces a world where children choose their gender when they come of age. Yang crafts a richly layered society with complex magic and political intrigue, centered on twin protagonists with divergent paths. The inclusion of nonbinary and gender-fluid characters is organic to the worldbuilding, offering a speculative lens on identity, agency, and resistance.
Graphic Novels & YA Options
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag This middle-grade graphic novel tells the story of Aster, a boy who wants to be a witch in a family where only girls are allowed to learn witchcraft. Through colorful illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, the book addresses gender norms and self-expression. It’s an accessible and empowering read for younger audiences—and equally resonant for older readers interested in narratives of defiance and self-acceptance.
Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker A charming YA graphic novel featuring a romance between a witch and a nonbinary werewolf. With themes of family, belonging, and magical identity, Mooncakes blends cozy domestic scenes with supernatural elements. The art is warm and inclusive, making it a joyful representation of queer love in a fantastical setting.
Each of these titles offers a unique entry point into queer fantasy, inviting readers to explore worlds where magical beings reflect real-world struggles and hopes. Whether you’re drawn to court intrigue, whimsical realms, or gentle stories of self-discovery, there’s something here to enchant every reader.
Themes to Look For
When exploring queer representation in fantasy fiction, it’s helpful to pay attention to recurring themes that deepen the emotional and cultural impact of these stories. Across various titles, authors use mythical beings and magical societies to reflect complex aspects of identity, belonging, and resistance. Below are key themes to look for when reading queer-centered fantasy:
Gender Nonconformity as Cultural Norm
In many fantastical worlds, gender norms are either radically different or absent altogether. Some societies allow characters to choose their gender when they come of age, while others recognize multiple or fluid gender identities as part of daily life. These imagined cultures offer a vision of what it might look like if gender diversity were not only accepted, but normalized and institutionalized.
Works like The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang explore this idea directly, creating entire systems that support nonbinary and gender-expansive characters. In these stories, readers find freedom from the binary structures that dominate real-world cultures.
Found Family in Fantastical Communities
Queer fantasy often emphasizes the importance of chosen family—groups formed through love, loyalty, and mutual care rather than blood ties. Magical communities, secret societies, or groups of outcast beings provide safe havens for characters who have been rejected by their birth families or mainstream cultures.
In The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, the magical children and their guardians form a deeply supportive community that affirms each character’s uniqueness. This theme resonates strongly with many LGBTQIA+ readers who have had to seek or build their own supportive networks.
Power Structures and Queerness in Utopias/Dystopias
Fantasy fiction allows authors to reimagine how societies function—and how queerness interacts with systems of power. In some stories, queerness is a threat to authoritarian regimes; in others, it is a natural part of more egalitarian or liberated societies. These contrasts highlight the political dimensions of queer identity and the ongoing tension between conformity and self-expression.
Books like A Marvellous Light and An Unkindness of Ghosts explore how magical or speculative societies reinforce or challenge oppressive norms, showing the reader how queerness can function both as resistance and renewal within broader social structures.
Magic as Metaphor for Transition, Coming Out, or Identity Evolution
Magic is often used as a symbolic language for transformation—making it a fitting metaphor for gender transition, self-discovery, or coming out. Characters might change form, unlock hidden abilities, or access new worlds, echoing the internal journeys many LGBTQIA+ people experience.
In The Witch Boy, magic represents Aster’s authentic self, which he must claim in defiance of his family’s expectations. In The Four Profound Weaves, magical weaving becomes a symbol of both personal and gender transition. These metaphors enrich the emotional resonance of the stories and offer readers a powerful lens through which to understand their own experiences.
By recognizing these themes, readers can better appreciate how fantasy serves as a space for imagining freer, more inclusive worlds—while also honoring the real-life complexities of queer identity and community.
How to Curate Your Own Queer Mythical Reading List
Creating your own personalized list of queer fantasy titles can be a rewarding way to explore diverse stories that resonate with your values and interests. Whether you’re seeking magical beings, rich worldbuilding, or nuanced representations of identity, the following strategies can help you find inclusive and meaningful reads.
Look for Inclusive Fantasy Titles
Start by researching books that feature openly LGBTQIA+ characters or themes. Look at reading lists from trusted queer literary blogs, booktubers, and online communities like Goodreads or StoryGraph. Award lists such as the Lambda Literary Awards or the Otherwise Award (formerly the Tiptree Award) often highlight speculative fiction that explores gender and sexuality in innovative ways.
Pay attention to genre-specific keywords—terms like queer fantasy, LGBTQ+ speculative fiction, or inclusive worldbuilding can help refine your search. Publisher blurbs and reader reviews often mention if a book includes queer protagonists, found family dynamics, or nontraditional romance arcs.
Follow LGBTQIA+ Authors and Indie Publishers
One of the most effective ways to discover authentic queer voices in fantasy is to follow LGBTQIA+ authors directly. Many share updates about their work, upcoming releases, and reading recommendations on social media. Authors like T.J. Klune, Nghi Vo, Ryka Aoki, and R.B. Lemberg actively engage with their communities and often uplift fellow queer writers.
Indie publishers—such as Tachyon Publications, Neon Hemlock, and Small Beer Press—are also excellent sources of groundbreaking queer fantasy. These presses tend to take more creative risks, publish underrepresented voices, and highlight stories that blend myth, magic, and identity outside of mainstream genre conventions.
Explore Non-Western Folklore with Queer Retellings
Expanding your reading beyond Western traditions introduces fresh perspectives and mythologies. Look for fantasy books rooted in African, Asian, Indigenous, or Latin American folklore that also feature queer characters or themes. These stories offer unique magical beings and cultural frameworks that challenge dominant Eurocentric tropes.
For example, authors like Aliette de Bodard (drawing on Vietnamese mythology), Darcie Little Badger (Lipan Apache storyteller), and Nnedi Okorafor (Africanfuturism) bring queerness into rich, non-Western contexts. Their work provides opportunities to see LGBTQIA+ identities reflected in global and culturally grounded forms of fantasy.
By combining research, author engagement, and a curiosity for global storytelling, you can build a reading list that celebrates queerness in all its magical forms. Whether you’re drawn to fae mischief, draconic wisdom, or shapeshifter journeys, the world of queer fantasy offers endless realms to explore.
Final Reflections
Queer representation in mythical societies continues to resonate with readers because it offers something deeply powerful: the freedom to imagine a world where queerness is not marginal but magical, integral, and celebrated. These stories allow LGBTQIA+ characters to exist without explanation, shame, or limitation—often in roles of agency, wisdom, and wonder.
Fantasy, by nature, is a genre of possibility. When queerness is woven into the very fabric of magical worlds—whether through ageless elves, gender-fluid fae, or trans witches shaping reality—it sends a hopeful message: that difference is not only acceptable, but necessary for a richer, more complex story. These representations validate real-life experiences while also offering expansive visions of what identity, community, and love can look like.
For many readers, especially those navigating their own place in the world, these narratives provide both comfort and courage. They affirm that there is space for everyone in the story—that magic is not something reserved for the few, but something that belongs to all of us, in every form we take.
As the landscape of speculative fiction continues to evolve, so too does the visibility and depth of queer characters within it. And with each new story, we move a little closer to worlds—imagined and real—where queerness is not only seen, but fully embraced.
