Queer Worldbuilding: Creating Inclusive and Diverse Fantasy Settings

Queer worldbuilding is the practice of designing fantasy settings that authentically include LGBTQIA+ identities, relationships, and cultures. It goes beyond simply adding queer characters—it involves creating worlds where diverse gender expressions, sexualities, and family structures are naturally integrated into the fabric of the setting.

Representation in speculative fiction is crucial because it allows marginalized communities to see themselves in worlds of magic, adventure, and heroism. For too long, fantasy has either erased or misrepresented queer identities, reinforcing restrictive societal norms rather than imagining new possibilities. By crafting inclusive fantasy settings, writers can challenge heteronormative structures, celebrate diversity, and build immersive worlds where queerness is a natural and integral part of the story.

In this article, we will explore the foundations of queer worldbuilding, discuss how to create inclusive societies, examine the intersection of queerness with magic and mythology, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and provide recommendations for further inspiration. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this guide will help you understand and appreciate the art of building rich, diverse fantasy worlds that embrace all identities.

Foundations of Queer Worldbuilding

Creating inclusive fantasy settings requires an understanding of real-world queer identities and experiences. Thoughtful worldbuilding moves beyond token representation and embraces the complexity of LGBTQIA+ existence in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and respectful.

Understanding Queer Identities and Experiences

Queerness is not a monolith; it encompasses a spectrum of identities, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, and intersex experiences. A well-developed fantasy world acknowledges this diversity rather than reducing queerness to a single, generalized experience. Writers should consider how gender, attraction, and identity function in their world:

• Do binary gender roles exist, or is gender more fluid?
• How are relationships structured—are there alternative forms of partnership beyond monogamy?
• What pronouns and language are used to describe gender and identity?

By embedding queerness into the cultural norms of a setting, creators can build worlds that feel organic rather than forced.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes: Authenticity in Representation

Stereotypes, even when well-intended, can undermine inclusive storytelling. Some common pitfalls include:

• The “Tragic Queer” Trope: Queer characters whose entire identity revolves around suffering. While realistic struggles can be addressed, their existence should not be solely defined by trauma.
• The “Token Queer” Character: A single LGBTQIA+ character included as an afterthought rather than an integrated part of the world.
• Queerness as a Gimmick: When queerness is used for shock value or controversy rather than treated with depth and sincerity.

Authenticity comes from research, listening to queer voices, and considering how queerness interacts with other aspects of identity, such as race, class, and ability. If a fantasy world challenges real-world norms, it should do so with intention rather than reinforcing existing biases.

The Impact of Culture, History, and Politics on Queer Communities in Fantasy Settings

Just as real-world societies have complex histories regarding queerness, fantasy worlds should reflect their own cultural evolution. Consider how societal norms develop over time:

• Queer Acceptance vs. Oppression: Is queerness widely accepted, celebrated, or stigmatized? How has history shaped this?
• Legal and Social Structures: Are there laws protecting or restricting queer rights? How do different regions or cultures within the world approach these topics?
• Religious and Mythological Influence: Do gods, spirits, or magical forces shape cultural attitudes toward gender and sexuality?

By weaving queerness into the history and politics of a fantasy world, writers create a more immersive and believable setting. Instead of being an afterthought, queerness becomes a natural and essential part of the world’s identity.

Developing Inclusive Societies in Fantasy

Building inclusive societies in fantasy requires rethinking the traditional frameworks that often limit gender roles, relationship structures, and family dynamics. By questioning these norms and imagining more diverse possibilities, writers can create settings where queerness is normalized and celebrated.

Rethinking Gender Norms and Social Structures

In many fantasy worlds, gender is often portrayed in a rigid, binary way—either male or female, with little room for anything outside of that. To create a truly inclusive world, gender norms can be reimagined or even entirely dismantled. Some possibilities include:

• Fluid Gender Identities: Characters who move between or reject traditional gender categories can be a natural part of the culture. This might involve multiple genders, where people are recognized based on different criteria beyond just biological sex or gender presentation.
• Matriarchal or Egalitarian Societies: Many fantasy worlds default to patriarchal systems. To make a setting more inclusive, writers can explore matriarchal societies, or ones where gender equality is woven into the very fabric of culture and governance.
• Gender as a Social Construct: Instead of viewing gender as something innate, fantasy cultures could treat it as something fluid, shaped by individual choice, social roles, or even magical influence. In these worlds, gender identity might be more tied to personal expression, skills, or even connections with otherworldly beings.

By challenging traditional gender structures, fantasy worlds can offer a more expansive and inclusive view of identity, where everyone’s experiences are valid and respected.

Exploring Queer Relationships and Family Dynamics

Queer relationships in fantasy can be as varied and multifaceted as those in the real world. Fantasy settings provide a unique opportunity to explore different types of relationships and family units beyond the monogamous heterosexual norm. Some options to explore include:

• Polyamory and Open Relationships: In a fantasy world, love and intimacy need not be confined to monogamy. Polyamorous relationships, where multiple partners share deep emotional and romantic connections, can be central to a story or culture.
• Chosen Families: The concept of chosen family is especially resonant in queer communities, where people create their own familial bonds outside of biological ties. In fantasy, this could be represented in a more literal sense, where chosen families might form around shared magical bonds or quests.
• Non-romantic Partnerships: Not all queer relationships need to center on romance. A deep, non-romantic connection between two characters—platonic but intensely meaningful—can hold just as much value in worldbuilding.

By highlighting diverse relationship types, writers can move beyond conventional portrayals of love, creating spaces where different queer dynamics are celebrated and normalized.

Representation of Non-binary, Genderfluid, and Asexual Characters

It’s important that queer worldbuilding doesn’t just focus on gay or lesbian characters but includes a range of identities such as non-binary, genderfluid, and asexual individuals. These characters can significantly enrich the fabric of any fantasy world.

• Non-binary and Genderfluid Characters: These characters exist outside of the traditional male/female binary, and their experiences of identity and expression can provide fresh perspectives on gender and power. In a fantasy setting, they might be linked to magical or cultural practices that transcend gender or have specific roles that only non-binary individuals can fulfill.
• Asexual Representation: Asexuality is often overlooked in both fantasy and mainstream media. Asexual characters can be integral to worldbuilding by showing that desire and sexual attraction are not universal experiences. This might include characters who engage in romantic relationships without the expectation of sex, or cultures that value platonic love over sexual connections.
• Fluid Sexuality: Just as characters can express themselves outside traditional gender norms, they may also experience fluid sexuality. In a world where attractions shift based on time, season, or magical influences, characters could experience different forms of love, making sexual identity something dynamic rather than fixed.

Incorporating these identities ensures that a fantasy world is truly inclusive, reflecting the variety of human experiences and allowing all types of characters to thrive.

Magic, Mythology, and Queerness

Magic and mythology are foundational elements of fantasy worlds, offering endless opportunities for creativity. When integrated with queer worldbuilding, these elements can be reimagined to reflect diverse experiences of gender, sexuality, and identity. Through magical systems and supernatural beings, writers can explore the intersections of queerness and transformation, creating deeper, more inclusive narratives.

Queer-Coded Magic Systems and Supernatural Beings

One of the most powerful ways to incorporate queerness into fantasy worlds is through magic. Magic can be an allegory for queerness—something that challenges the status quo, transcends boundaries, and defies rigid definitions. Here are a few ways to queer-code magic systems and supernatural beings:

• Shape-shifting and Fluidity: Magic that allows characters to shift form—whether in terms of gender, appearance, or even species—can reflect the fluidity of queer identity. Shape-shifting beings can embody gender non-conformity, as their ability to change form symbolizes the freedom to transcend traditional gender norms.
• Non-binary or Queer Magic Users: Magic itself can be portrayed as inherently non-binary or queer. For example, a magic system that requires the use of multiple forms of expression, like combining elements or drawing on different energies, could reflect the intersectionality of queer identities. Magic might be more powerful or effective when drawn from diverse, untraditional sources, mirroring how queer people often draw strength from outside societal expectations.
• Supernatural Creatures as Queer Metaphors: In fantasy, supernatural beings—like fae, spirits, or even gods—can serve as metaphors for queer identities. Creatures that do not adhere to human norms of gender or sexuality, such as androgynous or polyamorous beings, can be seen as representations of queerness. These beings may have relationships, desires, or expressions that go beyond traditional frameworks, offering rich opportunities for queer-coded symbolism.

Through these supernatural elements, fantasy worlds can explore themes of transformation, identity, and self-discovery while also broadening the scope of queer representation.

Mythological Influences and Reimagining Folklore Through a Queer Lens

Fantasy settings often draw inspiration from folklore, mythology, and historical legends. When reinterpreted through a queer lens, these traditional stories can be given new meanings and significance. Consider the following approaches:

• Queering Ancient Myths: Many myths and legends already contain fluid or non-binary elements, even if they are not always framed as such. For example, figures like the Greek god Hermaphroditus or the Norse god Loki, who displays traits of both masculinity and femininity, can be reimagined as representations of gender fluidity or non-binary identities.
• Reinterpreting Gendered Legends: Well-known folklore often revolves around the binary notions of gender—such as tales of princesses and knights or heroes and villains. By flipping these narratives or presenting them in queer contexts, writers can explore the nuances of identity, power, and social norms. For instance, a story about a “damsel in distress” could be reworked to explore same-sex love or non-romantic bonds of deep emotional support.
• Creating New Queer Mythologies: Rather than simply reinterpreting existing mythologies, fantasy writers can create entirely new mythologies that incorporate queer elements as essential parts of the culture. For example, a pantheon of gods and goddesses who are explicitly non-binary, bisexual, or polyamorous would provide a foundation for a queer-inclusive world where queerness is not merely tolerated, but celebrated as central to the creation and maintenance of life itself.

Reimagining myth and folklore through a queer lens offers a rich opportunity to breathe new life into old stories, making them more inclusive and relevant for contemporary audiences.

The Intersection of Queerness and Transformation in Fantasy

At its core, fantasy often deals with transformation—whether through magic, personal growth, or the evolution of society. Queerness, too, is frequently about transformation: the journey of understanding oneself, challenging societal expectations, and redefining identity. Magic and transformation go hand in hand in queer worldbuilding, offering a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and change.

• Coming-of-age Narratives: Transformation is a natural part of many queer stories, particularly those of self-realization. In fantasy, characters might undergo magical or literal transformations that mirror their personal growth. For instance, a character who learns to embrace their non-binary identity could undergo a magical metamorphosis, reflecting their inner journey toward acceptance.
• Magical Transformation as a Rejection of Norms: In many fantasy stories, characters who undergo transformations reject or transcend societal norms. Whether through shape-shifting, using forbidden magic, or breaking the rules of reality, these transformations represent the rejection of limiting societal views. Queerness, in this context, becomes a form of rebellion, an act of magic that defies the structures that seek to confine identity.
• The Power of Queer Magic: Magic in a queer fantasy world can represent liberation. Characters who break free from societal constraints may use their magic not only as a tool for survival but also as a means to shape the world around them, challenging norms of gender, sexuality, and power. Queer magic could be viewed as inherently disruptive—power that reshapes the world in ways that reflect the freedom to be oneself.

The intersection of queerness and transformation in fantasy emphasizes how magical change reflects personal identity and societal challenges. It turns fantasy into a metaphor for self-empowerment and societal change, making queerness a central force in the narrative.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While creating inclusive and diverse fantasy settings is essential, there are certain pitfalls that can undermine the effort. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that queer worldbuilding remains thoughtful, authentic, and empowering for all readers. Below are some key pitfalls to watch out for in queer representation in fantasy.

Tokenism vs. Meaningful Representation

Tokenism is the practice of including a queer character merely to check a box without providing them with depth, agency, or a significant role in the story. This is one of the most harmful pitfalls in queer worldbuilding, as it perpetuates the idea that diverse characters exist only to serve as symbols, not as fully realized individuals. To avoid tokenism, ensure that queer characters are not just added for diversity’s sake. Their identities should be woven into the narrative meaningfully, with their actions, relationships, and growth contributing to the overall plot. Consider these strategies:

• Give Characters Agency: Queer characters should have their own motivations, flaws, and arcs. They should be active participants in the story rather than secondary or background figures.
• Avoid Stereotypes: Instead of relying on clichés—such as the flamboyant gay character or the tragic trans character—create nuanced individuals whose personalities are defined by more than their queerness. Their identities should be an integral part of who they are, but not their sole defining characteristic.
• Focus on Relationships and Growth: Allow queer characters to form relationships, make mistakes, and experience personal growth. Their journeys should be as complex and varied as any other character in the story.

Meaningful representation means that queer characters are treated as whole people with distinct identities, emotions, and stories to tell, ensuring they contribute to a richer, more inclusive narrative.

The Risk of Using Trauma as the Sole Defining Aspect of Queer Characters

Another common issue in queer worldbuilding is the tendency to define queer characters solely by their trauma. While it’s important to acknowledge the real-world struggles that many LGBTQIA+ individuals face, reducing a character’s entire identity to their suffering can reinforce negative stereotypes and fail to reflect the full spectrum of queer experiences. Queer characters should not be limited to roles where their main function is to experience pain or victimization. Here are a few ways to avoid this pitfall:

• Balance Struggles with Joy: While it’s realistic that queer individuals often face challenges, it’s also crucial to show moments of joy, love, and fulfillment. These characters should experience happiness, success, and companionship, not just hardship.
• Multiple Dimensions of Identity: Like any other character, queer individuals are multifaceted. They can be strong, flawed, funny, courageous, and compassionate. Incorporating different aspects of their personalities ensures that trauma is not their only narrative arc.
• Offer Empowerment and Resilience: Rather than centering queer characters’ stories around their victimization, show their resilience and ability to thrive despite the challenges they face. Empowerment can be a significant part of their journey, making their story feel inspiring and full of hope.

Queer characters should be more than just the sum of their struggles. Their experiences should be multifaceted, with both light and dark moments that make them feel real, relatable, and compelling.

Balancing Realism and Escapism in Fantasy Narratives

Fantasy often operates as an escape from reality, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in worlds where anything is possible. However, when worldbuilding for an inclusive and queer setting, it’s important to strike a balance between realism and escapism.

• Avoid Unrealistic Utopias: While it’s tempting to create a world where queer characters face no discrimination or challenges at all, such a perfect utopia can feel disconnected from reality. Acknowledge the possibility of queer struggles, even in a fantastical setting, but without reducing the entire world to conflict.
• Include Nuanced Social Structures: Fantasy worlds can incorporate social structures that reflect both progress and the potential for change. A society might be mostly accepting of queer identities but still have areas where discrimination exists, showing a world that’s in progress rather than idealized perfection.
• Escapism as Empowerment: On the flip side, fantasy can also serve as a place for queer characters to thrive in ways that may not be possible in the real world. For example, a magical setting where queer love is the norm, or where gender and sexuality are fluid and celebrated, can offer both an escape and a vision of what a more inclusive society could look like.

Finding the right balance between realism and escapism ensures that queer worldbuilding feels both grounded and aspirational. Fantasy should offer a space for readers to escape societal limitations while also reflecting real-world issues, allowing them to imagine and experience both progress and joy.

Recommended Books & Media for Inspiration

For those seeking to explore queer worldbuilding in fantasy, there are numerous books, games, TV shows, and films that offer excellent examples of inclusive and diverse settings. Below is a curated list of recommended works that showcase how queerness can be woven into the fabric of fantasy worlds, providing inspiration for both creators and fans alike.

Queer-Inclusive Fantasy Books and Authors

The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon This epic fantasy novel features a world where dragons, magic, and powerful women collide. It is a groundbreaking work in queer fantasy, offering rich representation of queer characters, including a prominent f/f romance and complex depictions of gender and sexuality. Shannon’s work highlights how queerness can be seamlessly integrated into high fantasy without it feeling forced or out of place.

The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune A heartwarming and whimsical fantasy novel that centers on an orphanage of magical children. The story features a beautiful romance between two men and explores themes of family, acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world. Klune’s gentle approach to queerness in this magical setting makes it an excellent example of inclusive worldbuilding.

Witchmark” by C.L. Polk This historical fantasy novel combines magic, politics, and romance in a world where queerness is woven into the social fabric. The central romance between two men is essential to the plot, and Polk explores the intersections of identity, power, and societal norms, all set against the backdrop of a rich, magical world.

The Black Tides of Heaven” by Neon Yang This novella is set in a world inspired by Asian mythologies, where gender is fluid and individuals can take on multiple identities, including non-binary. The exploration of queerness in a highly original and culturally rich setting makes this work stand out for its imaginative queer worldbuilding.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin” by Roseanne A. Brown A West African-inspired fantasy novel with a magical system deeply rooted in the culture of the setting. It features a queer romance that is pivotal to the plot, adding layers of emotional depth to the characters’ journeys. Brown’s inclusion of queer identities as a natural part of this vibrant world helps expand the scope of queer representation in fantasy.

Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir A unique blend of necromancy, science fiction, and fantasy, this novel features an unapologetically queer protagonist, with a rich and diverse cast. The intricate worldbuilding and complex characters make it a standout example of queer-inclusive speculative fiction.

Notable Games, TV Shows, and Films with Strong Queer Worldbuilding

The Witcher Series (Video Games and TV Show) The world of The Witcher is filled with moral complexity, political intrigue, and rich fantasy elements. The video games and TV show feature several queer characters and relationships, with notable representations of bisexuality (Geralt’s relationships with both men and women). The world of The Witcher explores queerness in a gritty, mature context, where sexuality is just one aspect of character identity.

Dragon Age Series (Video Games) BioWare’s Dragon Age series is widely praised for its inclusive representation of queer characters, allowing players to pursue relationships with characters of various sexualities and gender identities. The series provides a range of romance options, from same-sex relationships to polyamory, all deeply integrated into the plot and character development. The games also feature complex social and political issues regarding queerness in their fantastical settings.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (TV Show) This animated series features a rich fantasy world where gender and sexuality are fluidly represented. The show is lauded for its inclusive portrayal of queer relationships, particularly the central romance between Adora and Catra, two characters who challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. The world of Etheria is a place where diverse identities are accepted, and the narrative focuses on themes of empowerment and acceptance.

RuPaul’s Drag Race (TV Show) While not strictly a fantasy series, RuPaul’s Drag Race has become an essential piece of queer culture and worldbuilding. The show celebrates queerness through the lens of drag culture, highlighting the transformative power of performance, identity, and self-expression. The fantasy elements come into play through the costumes, makeup, and storytelling that elevate drag into an art form of fantasy worldbuilding in its own right.

Star Trek: Discovery (TV Show)Star Trek: Discovery continues the franchise’s tradition of progressive, inclusive storytelling by featuring several queer characters, including the first openly gay couple in the Star Trek universe. The series examines queerness within the larger framework of the Star Trek universe, exploring themes of identity, diversity, and love in space. It offers a compelling look at how queer relationships can be part of a future society.

Sense8 (TV Show) Created by the Wachowskis, Sense8 is a science fiction series that delves into themes of interconnectedness, empathy, and queerness. The show features multiple queer characters, exploring their relationships and identities in a complex, interconnected world. It offers a powerful narrative on the ways in which identity, gender, and sexuality intersect, with a deeply emotional and inclusive portrayal of queer love.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Video Game) Although The Legend of Zelda series does not overtly focus on queerness, Breath of the Wild offers an expansive, magical world that allows players to engage with characters in a way that feels inclusive. The game features various non-romantic relationships and characters who challenge traditional gender norms, making it a great example of subtle inclusivity within a larger, largely escapist fantasy setting.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (Film) This film blends science fiction, fantasy, and multiverse elements, offering a unique take on queer identity and the power of transformation. Through its multiple realities, it explores how different versions of oneself can live out different aspects of their gender and sexuality, offering a poignant exploration of queerness through the lens of fantasy and self-realization.

These books, games, TV shows, and films demonstrate how queerness can be effectively integrated into fantasy worlds, offering rich, complex portrayals of queer identities and relationships. They are excellent examples for both creators and consumers of fantasy who wish to see—and contribute to—a more inclusive and diverse genre.

Conclusion

Creating a queer-inclusive and diverse fantasy world is not only a rewarding challenge for writers and creators but also a vital step toward making speculative fiction more reflective of the real world’s complexity and beauty. Throughout this article, we’ve explored several important elements of queer worldbuilding, from understanding queer identities to integrating them into the fabric of fantasy settings. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

Foundations of Queer Worldbuilding: Queer worldbuilding begins with a deep understanding of queer identities and experiences. Moving beyond stereotypes and ensuring authenticity in representation is crucial. It’s also important to consider how culture, history, and politics shape queer communities in fantasy settings.

Developing Inclusive Societies: Fantasy worlds should rethink traditional gender norms and social structures, allowing for the natural inclusion of queer relationships and family dynamics. Non-binary, genderfluid, and asexual characters must be represented with the same depth and complexity as any other character.

Magic, Mythology, and Queerness: Magical systems and supernatural beings offer unique opportunities to explore queerness, with themes of transformation, fluidity, and non-binary existence. Reinterpreting folklore and myth through a queer lens can also offer a fresh and empowering perspective on traditional narratives.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Ensuring meaningful representation of queer characters—rather than tokenism—remains critical. Queer characters should not be defined solely by their trauma; their experiences should include joy, empowerment, and multifaceted identities. Striking a balance between realism and escapism allows queer characters to exist authentically within the world while also offering the aspirational, inclusive fantasy that many readers crave.

Recommended Books & Media for Inspiration: Numerous books, games, TV shows, and films offer excellent examples of queer-inclusive fantasy worldbuilding. From the complex characters and magical settings in The Priory of the Orange Tree to the inclusive narratives of Dragon Age and She-Ra, these works showcase the potential for queerness to enrich fantasy worlds in thoughtful and dynamic ways.

By thoughtfully incorporating queerness into fantasy worldbuilding, creators can make their stories not only more inclusive but also more resonant and meaningful for diverse audiences. The key is to ensure that queer identities and experiences are integrated with care, depth, and respect—allowing them to stand as vital, natural components of the fantastical worlds we build.

That concludes our guide on queer worldbuilding in fantasy. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, there’s a rich and exciting landscape ahead for stories that embrace diversity, inclusivity, and the infinite possibilities of queer identities in fantasy settings.