Whether you’re a bookworm, a casual reader, or just someone who loves a good story, the team at 2Queer2Fiction has got your literary needs covered. Some tropes can vibe, but do they all? In this edition, we’re diving headfirst into the world of literary tropes in queer fiction.
I don’t know about you, but as a self-proclaimed bookworm who’s devoured more queer fiction than I can count, tropes are a bit of a double-edged sword. They can be like that ex you just can’t seem to quit—sometimes they’re comforting, familiar, and just what you need, but other times, they make you wonder why you ever fell for them in the first place🙄
Let’s start with a classic: the brooding bad boy/girl with a heart of gold. You know the type—leather jacket, a tragic backstory, and a smolder that could melt an iceberg. We’ve all been there, rooting for them to drop the tough act and show us their softer side. But let’s be real—how many times do we need to see the same angst-ridden arc before it loses its charm? (Low-key think we could all use a break from the perpetual emotional rollercoaster. But maybe I’m a goddamn masochist, cause I keep. reading. them.)
Then there’s the quirky, yet lovable sidekick. Ah, the comic relief that somehow never gets their own storyline. They’re always there with a witty comeback or a shoulder to cry on, but does anyone ever ask how they’re doing? (Side note: where’s the book where the sidekick gets their happily-ever-after, huh?) (jk, we have that covered too.)
What about the “Haley”s of the world? The “Good Luck, Babe” babes? Why must they babe so hard? Why do we love to hate to love that they’re a little mean at first? So many questions. (That I will address with my therapist at a later date)
But, like any good relationship, tropes aren’t all bad. Take the found family trope, for instance. As a queer woman, this one hits close to home. There’s something deeply resonant about characters finding their people, creating a family out of friends and lovers when the world doesn’t always give them one. It’s a reminder that we can build our own support systems, and it’s one of those tropes that never gets old for me.
Of course, we can’t forget the tropes that make us want to roll our eyes so hard we risk losing a contact lens. I’m looking at you, “Bury Your Gays.” Honestly, is there a more frustrating, overused, and downright harmful trope out there? It’s 2024, and we deserve better. (Lookin’ at you Clexa fans.) Queer characters deserve to thrive, not just survive (and definitely not just exist to serve as plot devices for straight characters).
So, what do you say, queers? Tropes, like most things in life, come in all shapes and sizes—some we love, some we hate, and some we love to hate. But no matter how you feel about them, they’re here to stay. The key is to find the ones that resonate with you and support the authors who put a fresh spin on them.
Now, go grab that cup of tea, curl up with your current read, and think about what tropes you can’t live without—or maybe the ones you could do without. Thanks for stopping by, fellow book enthusiasts! Be sure to check back soon for more literary musings from the fabulous team at 2Queer2Fiction. And, as always, share your thoughts with us in the comments! Which tropes do you stan, and which ones need to be retired faster than that old pair of jeans in the back of your closet?
Until next time,
Sam
Co-Captain of the Queer Fiction Lifeboat 🏳️🌈