I want to thank Sharita Lira for visiting my blog today to tell us more about Queer in Color and how diversity in Fiction/Romance is important.
“We need more
diverse books!”
Books with queer characters have become more popular
these days. People are fascinated with the stories about queer people’s lives
because, perhaps they finally realized the world isn’t completely hetero. More
importantly, they wanted something different than the hero and the heroine or
the assumed “straight” characters that dominate fiction. They wanted different,
which means more diversity.
However, diversity doesn’t just cover queer versus
hetero, it also means race, age, culture differences, religion, and able-bodied.
That cry should mean we want more stories that represent all kinds of people,
not just the majority.
As an author of color, I also wanted to see that
change. I write books with queer characters of color, so why not showcase
others as well? Several months ago, I posed the idea in the group I coordinated
and found others who wished to do the same. In that time period, we started a
website along with a newsletter, a Twitter page, and Facebook called Queer in
Color.
Queer in Color’s main objective is to highlight books
with queer characters of color. We feature the books for free on the website
and if authors choose to be featured on the social media as well as our
newsletter, we charge a small fee.
So, if you write books with queer characters of color,
please fill out the form on the website. And no, it’s not just for romance. We’ll
feature all fiction with queer PoC. Right now, we need more books with
lesbian, trans, asexual, and bisexual characters because the site has many gay
books, but not enough of anything else. We could also use more books featuring
Latino and Asian characters as well because, again, we’re trying to cover all
cultural bases.
Though more could be done, this is a start. It’s a way
we can pay homage to those books that break the mold.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to me today. If
you have any questions about the website, or being featured, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Links
Author
Bio
Romance and
erotica author Sharita Lira believes that love conquers all. Writing sexy
stories of people who might be complete opposites, but somehow make a lasting
connection that often leads to a happily ever after.
Happily
married and mother of two, Sharita never allows complex plots to deter her from
writing the story. Inspired by heavy music, attractive people she’s seen in
person and on the internet, Sharita always has a tale on her brain.
In addition
to being a computer geek and a metalhead, Sharita loves live music, reading,
and spending time with family and friends. She’s also a founding member and
contributor to the heavy metal ezine FourteenG.
For more
information, please visit http://www.thelitriad.com and if you’re a fan who would like exclusive updates
on her writings and chances to win prizes, sign up for the newsletter!
Social Links
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