The power of fantasy lies in its ability to imagine new worlds—and new ways of being. Within its pages, dragons soar, magic pulses beneath the surface of everyday life, and characters defy not only gravity but social expectations. In recent years, fantasy literature has become an increasingly inclusive space, offering readers the chance to see diverse identities reflected in powerful, moving, and imaginative stories.
For readers who identify as nonbinary, genderfluid, or anywhere outside the traditional gender binary, this representation can be especially meaningful. Fantasy doesn’t just mirror the real world—it has the capacity to reshape it. When characters break free of binary gender roles in magical realms, it affirms that identity itself is not limited by rigid structures, even in fiction.
In this article, we’re highlighting some of the best LGBTQIA+ fantasy novels that feature nonbinary and genderfluid characters—not as side notes, but as central figures with fully realized arcs. These stories span a range of subgenres, from epic to surreal, but they all share one thing in common: a celebration of gender diversity.
A quick note before we begin: terminology around gender identity is deeply personal and constantly evolving. When we refer to “nonbinary” or “genderfluid,” we include a spectrum of experiences, including agender, bigender, and other identities beyond the binary. Our goal is to uplift stories that reflect this wide range and invite all readers into imaginative, affirming journeys.
Why Representation Matters in Fantasy
Fantasy has always been a genre of possibility. It invites readers to step into worlds that defy the ordinary—lands where magic shapes reality, time flows differently, and the rules of society are rewritten. Because of this imaginative freedom, fantasy holds immense potential to reflect and celebrate a wider range of identities, including those that don’t conform to the binary constructs of gender.
Gender-diverse characters—those who identify as nonbinary, genderfluid, or otherwise beyond the male/female binary—bring fresh perspectives to fantasy narratives. Their presence broadens our understanding of identity and helps break down the assumption that heroism, power, or significance must align with traditional gender roles. In stories where dragons exist and cities float in the sky, there is no reason to limit who gets to hold the sword, cast the spell, or save the realm.
For readers who identify outside the binary, seeing themselves represented in magical and heroic roles can be profoundly empowering. Visibility affirms that their identities are valid and worthy of being at the center of epic adventures—not relegated to the margins. These characters are not just included; they lead, love, struggle, and grow, offering models of resilience and joy.
Moreover, stories featuring nonbinary and genderfluid characters challenge the norms many readers have internalized. They expand what’s possible within fiction—and by extension, what’s imaginable in real life. By presenting gender as something fluid, multifaceted, or entirely self-defined, these narratives encourage readers to question rigid assumptions and embrace a more inclusive vision of humanity.
In short, representation in fantasy is not just about who gets to be in the story—it’s about who gets to shape it. And when gender-diverse characters take the lead, they open doors for richer storytelling, deeper empathy, and transformative reading experiences.
Top Picks: Nonbinary and Genderfluid Characters in Fantasy
Below is a curated list of standout fantasy novels that feature nonbinary and genderfluid characters at the heart of their narratives. These books span various subgenres—from space-fantasy epics to surrealist fables—each offering unique and meaningful representations of gender diversity.
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Plot Summary: This debut novel follows Csorwe, a young orc priestess raised to be sacrificed to her god, who is offered a chance to escape her fate and instead serve a powerful wizard. Her journey spans realms, empires, and dangerous magical politics.
Representation: While Csorwe herself is not nonbinary, the world of The Unspoken Name features a diverse cast of characters, including those who use gender-neutral pronouns. Gender identity is treated with casual inclusivity, reflecting a universe where binary norms are not the default.
Themes and Highlights: This novel explores themes of autonomy, identity, and loyalty. The fluid approach to gender in worldbuilding is a quiet but impactful subversion of fantasy traditions. Readers have praised the book for its complex characters and morally grey relationships.
Notable Quote: “Death comes for everyone. The only thing you can do is choose how you meet it.”
The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang
Plot Summary: Set in the richly imagined Tensorate universe, this novella follows twins Mokoya and Akeha, born into a world where children are raised without fixed gender until they declare their identity later in life. The story spans decades of rebellion, prophecy, and personal transformation.
Representation: Akeha, one of the main characters, identifies as nonbinary. The society in the Tensorate world recognizes multiple gender identities and institutionalizes the right to choose one’s gender as part of coming of age.
Themes and Highlights: With silkpunk aesthetics and political intrigue, the book explores destiny, autonomy, and resistance. Its treatment of gender is integral to the narrative, not an aside. This novella was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Plot Summary: In a seemingly utopian future where all monsters have supposedly been vanquished, a young girl named Jam discovers that one may still be lurking in her town. When a creature named Pet emerges from her mother’s painting, Jam must confront hidden truths.
Representation: Jam is a Black, trans, and selectively nonverbal teenager who uses she/her pronouns and identifies as a trans girl, but the author, Akwaeke Emezi, is nonbinary and infuses the story with themes of fluid identity. Emezi’s broader body of work, including Pet, challenges binary thinking on gender and reality.
Themes and Highlights:Pet explores the nature of evil, justice, and who gets to define truth. The book is groundbreaking for placing a trans protagonist in a setting where her identity is respected and normalized.
Awards: National Book Award Finalist, Stonewall Honor Book.
The Tensorate Series by Neon Yang
Plot Summary: Beyond The Black Tides of Heaven, this series includes several interconnected novellas that delve deeper into the politics, magic, and identities of the Tensorate world.
Representation: Multiple characters throughout the series identify as nonbinary or genderfluid, and the society’s gender system allows characters to claim, change, or reject gender entirely. The use of they/them pronouns is normalized throughout the narrative.
Themes and Highlights: Themes of revolution, identity, and family recur across the books. Yang’s writing dismantles fixed ideas of gender while telling fast-paced, emotionally rich stories.
Series Recognition: Nominated for the Hugo, Nebula, and Lambda Literary Awards.
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
Plot Summary: Ren, a con artist, infiltrates the noble class of the city of Nadežra to secure a better future. But beneath the surface lies a web of magic, masked vigilantes, and political corruption.
Representation: The novel includes a key character, Vargo’s mysterious alter ego, who embodies fluidity in both gender and social roles. Though not explicitly labeled, several characters embody gender variance, and the worldbuilding leaves space for multiple expressions of identity.
Themes and Highlights: A lush, Venetian-inspired setting supports themes of deception, reinvention, and identity. The narrative embraces ambiguity and transformation—both socially and personally—which resonates strongly with readers seeking nuanced portrayals of gender.
Reader Praise: “Like stepping into a dream—sharp, dark, and endlessly captivating.”
The Seep by Chana Porter
Plot Summary: Trina FastHorse Goldberg-Oneka, a 50-year-old trans woman, lives in a utopian world altered by an alien invasion called the Seep, which dissolves boundaries between identity, species, and time. When her wife chooses to be reborn as a baby, Trina must confront grief and the very concept of self.
Representation: Though Trina is a trans woman, the novel’s world embraces deep fluidity—of gender, body, and consciousness. Gender identities beyond the binary are not only represented but philosophically explored.
Themes and Highlights: This is a meditative, surreal novel that questions the meaning of individuality and transformation. The Seep itself is a metaphor for fluid identity, challenging the reader to think beyond fixed categories.
Awards: Lambda Literary Award finalist, longlisted for the Otherwise Award.
These books not only center nonbinary and genderfluid characters but also reimagine fantasy worlds where fluid identity is an intrinsic part of the story—not an exception. They challenge genre conventions, expand the emotional and political depth of fantasy, and offer readers a glimpse into futures where gender diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.
Honorable Mentions
While the books highlighted above place nonbinary and genderfluid characters at the forefront, there are many other fantasy titles that feature meaningful LGBTQIA+ representation, including trans and gender-expansive characters in supporting or ensemble roles. Below is a selection of additional recommendations that deserve recognition:
- Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas This bestselling YA novel centers on a trans boy, Yadriel, who summons a ghost and unexpectedly falls for him. While not nonbinary-focused, the story explores trans identity with heart, humor, and strong themes of found family and cultural belonging.
- A Dream So Dark by L.L. McKinney The sequel in the Nightmare-Verse series, this urban fantasy features genderfluid side characters in a reimagined Alice in Wonderland world. The cast is diverse and unapologetically queer.
- Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee A standalone silkpunk fantasy following a nonbinary artist who is drawn into a rebellion. The protagonist uses they/them pronouns, and the book explores themes of art, autonomy, and colonial resistance.
- Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki Though primarily featuring a trans protagonist, this genre-blending novel includes themes of identity, chosen family, and acceptance in a fantastical setting involving deals with demons and interstellar immigrants.
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin Part of The Broken Earth Trilogy, this award-winning epic includes a nonbinary character in a major supporting role. Jemisin’s worldbuilding subtly deconstructs many societal norms, including those related to gender.
These titles further demonstrate the richness and variety of LGBTQIA+ representation in modern fantasy. Whether through main characters or supportive roles, each story contributes to a broader, more inclusive vision of what fantasy literature can be.
How to Support Queer Fantasy Authors
Championing LGBTQIA+ voices in fantasy goes beyond reading their books—it also means taking active steps to ensure their work continues to thrive and reach broader audiences. Here are a few impactful ways to support queer fantasy authors:
- Buy Directly or Request at Libraries Purchasing books—especially from independent bookstores or directly from publishers—helps boost sales and signals demand. If buying isn’t possible, request these titles at your local library. Library circulation data influences future acquisitions and ensures more readers can access these stories.
- Leave Reviews and Ratings Posting honest reviews on platforms like Goodreads, StoryGraph, Amazon, or a personal blog can significantly increase a book’s visibility. Even a short comment or a star rating helps authors reach new readers through algorithms and search results.
- Follow and Engage on Social Media Many authors actively engage with their readers on social platforms. Following, liking, sharing, or commenting on their posts helps amplify their work. Engagement also contributes to growing their audience and attracting attention from publishers, media, and event organizers.
- Recommend to Friends and Book Clubs Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful tools for any author. If you loved a book, talk about it. Suggest it for book clubs, reading challenges, or gift ideas. Personal recommendations often carry more weight than advertisements.
By supporting queer fantasy authors in these ways, readers help build a more inclusive literary landscape—one where stories featuring nonbinary, genderfluid, and LGBTQIA+ characters can flourish and inspire for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy has always been a genre of transformation—of characters, worlds, and ideas. When it embraces diverse identities, particularly those beyond the gender binary, it becomes even more powerful. Stories that center nonbinary and genderfluid characters do more than reflect the real world; they expand it, offering new ways to understand selfhood, community, and possibility.
The books highlighted in this guide showcase the rich range of voices and narratives available in queer fantasy literature today. But they are just the beginning. There is a growing body of work by LGBTQIA+ authors who continue to challenge convention, enrich the genre, and inspire readers with imaginative, inclusive storytelling.
We encourage you to keep exploring—seek out lesser-known authors, read widely across subgenres, and remain open to stories that defy easy categorization. In doing so, you’ll not only discover unforgettable characters and worlds, but also help shape a future where everyone can find themselves reflected in the pages of fantasy.
