Queer Romance
Queer romance refers to romantic relationships or attractions between people who identify as queer, which typically includes those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or non-binary. Queer romance can encompass all the same emotions, dynamics, and types of relationships as romance in general, but it specifically recognizes and celebrates the experiences of those who are often marginalized or excluded in mainstream portrayals of romance.
So, in that sense, queer romance is not inherently different from romance, but it offers a more inclusive and representative perspective on love and relationships for those who identify as queer.
Books
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman: This novel tells the story of a summer romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and his father’s 24-year-old research assistant, Oliver. Set in Italy in the 1980s, the book explores themes of first love, self-discovery, and coming of age through a sensitive and beautifully written narrative.
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the journey of a struggling writer, Arthur Less, as he travels around the world to attend various literary events and avoid his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. Through his travels and encounters, Less learns to confront his insecurities and redefine his sense of self and love.
“The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith: This novel, also known as “Carol,” is a lesbian love story set in 1950s New York City. It follows the relationship between Therese, a young shopgirl, and Carol, a wealthy woman who is in the midst of a divorce. The book explores the societal limitations and prejudices that the women must navigate as they try to build a life together.
“Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” by Jeanette Winterson: This novel tells the coming-of-age story of a young lesbian woman named Jeanette who is raised in a strict Pentecostal household in England. The book follows Jeanette as she navigates her sexuality, spirituality, and relationships, and ultimately finds the freedom and happiness she deserves.
“Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin: This novel is a classic of gay literature and is considered one of Baldwin’s greatest works. Set in Paris, the book follows the relationship between an American man named David and his Italian lover, Giovanni, as they struggle to come to terms with their love for each other in a world that does not accept their relationship.
Autobiographies
“Hold Still” by Nina LaCour: This memoir is a coming-of-age story that explores the author’s experiences as a young lesbian in California. It tells the story of her first love, her struggles with her identity, and her journey to finding happiness and fulfillment.
“Redefining Realness” by Janet Mock: This memoir is a powerful and inspiring account of the author’s experiences as a transgender woman. It covers her journey to self-discovery and acceptance, and her romantic relationships, as she navigates the challenges of living in a world that often does not fully understand or accept trans people.
“Lucky” by Alice Sebold: This memoir is a courageous and honest account of the author’s experiences as a lesbian survivor of sexual assault. It tells the story of her journey to healing and recovery, and the role that love and relationships played in her process.
“Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel: This graphic memoir is a deeply personal and intimate exploration of the author’s relationships, both with her family and with her partners. It provides a unique and powerful look at the complexities of family dynamics and sexuality, and the challenges of coming of age as a lesbian in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Unleashed” by Mellinda T. Rumbaugh: This memoir is a testament to the transformative power of love and connection. It tells the story of the author’s journey as a lesbian woman and how she found the courage to reclaim her life after years of abuse and trauma. Through her experiences, the author explores the importance of community, self-care, and self-love in the journey towards healing and happiness.
Biographies
“Radiant Truths: Essential Writings of James Baldwin” edited by Randall Kenan: This biography explores the life and work of James Baldwin, one of the most influential gay writers of the 20th century. It includes a selection of Baldwin’s writings on love, sexuality, and the black experience, and provides insight into his romantic relationships and their impact on his work.
“Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs” by Sally Mann: This biography is a beautifully crafted and intimate look at the life of photographer Sally Mann. Through a series of personal essays and photographs, Mann explores her relationships, both romantic and familial, and provides a unique perspective on the complexities of love and family.
“The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith: This biography offers a comprehensive look at the life and work of Patricia Highsmith, one of the most prominent and pioneering lesbian writers of the 20th century. It covers her struggles with her sexuality, her relationships, and her life as a writer, and provides insight into the impact that these experiences had on her work.
“A Single Man” by Christopher Isherwood: This biography explores the life and work of Christopher Isherwood, a prominent gay writer of the 20th century. It covers his relationships, both romantic and platonic, and provides insight into his experiences as a gay man in a time of great social and political change.
“Nora: The Real Life of Molly Bloom” by Brenda Maddox: This biography is a comprehensive look at the life of Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce and the inspiration for the character of Molly Bloom in his novel “Ulysses.” Through her experiences and relationships, Maddox provides a unique perspective on the complexities of love and sexuality in the early 20th century.
Movies
“Moonlight” (2016): This film, directed by Barry Jenkins, is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that explores the life of a young gay man named Chiron as he navigates his sexuality and relationships over three defining chapters of his life.
“Call Me by Your Name” (2017): This film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a sensual and romantic tale set in Italy in the 1980s. It tells the story of the relationship between 17-year-old Elio and his father’s American assistant, Oliver, as they explore their feelings for each other over the course of a summer.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019): This film, directed by Céline Sciamma, is a stunning and captivating love story set in the 18th century. It tells the story of the relationship between a female artist and the subject she is commissioned to paint, as they fall in love against the backdrop of a repressive and patriarchal society.
“Happy Together” (1997): This film, directed by Wong Kar-wai, is a beautiful and heart-wrenching tale of a gay couple who travel to Buenos Aires in search of a better life. The film explores the ups and downs of their relationship, and the challenges they face as they navigate their feelings for each other and their place in the world.
“Weekend” (2011): This film, directed by Andrew Haigh, is a beautifully honest and intimate look at a weekend in the life of two men who meet and start a relationship. The film explores the complexities of modern gay relationships and the challenges of finding and maintaining love in the face of societal and personal obstacles.
Documentaries
“Limited Partnership” (2014) – This film tells the story of Tony Sullivan and Richard Adams, an American-Australian gay couple who fell in love in the 1970s and were one of the first gay couples to legally marry. Despite facing discrimination and numerous obstacles, they fought for their love and relationship, including a landmark immigration case that would shape the future of gay marriage.
“The Polyamorists Next Door” (2013) – This documentary takes a closer look at the world of polyamory, exploring the relationships of multiple partners who are all in love with each other. It follows several polyamorous families as they navigate the challenges and joys of their unique romantic arrangements.
“Gayby Baby” (2015) – This film examines the lives of four children who are being raised by same-sex parents, exploring the ways in which their families’ experiences intersect with larger social and political debates surrounding LGBTQ rights.
“L-Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin” (2014) – This documentary focuses on the lives of a group of lesbian women living in rural Mississippi, where they face a hostile and often violent environment as they try to build loving, supportive relationships with each other.
“Out of Iraq” (2016) – This film follows the love story of Nayyef Hrebid and Btoo Allami, two Iraqi soldiers who met during the Iraq War and fell in love despite the extreme danger and prejudice they faced as gay men in a war-torn country. The film charts their journey as they seek refuge and try to build a life together in the aftermath of conflict.
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
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