A History of Queer Literature with Eliot Schrefer | Epic Reads

Summary

The history of queer literature showcases the resilience and creativity of LGBTQ+ authors throughout time. From Sappho's poignant poetry in ancient Greece to the coded language of 19th-century writers like Forster and Wilde, queer narratives have evolved despite societal constraints. The 20th century saw significant milestones, including Virginia Woolf's gender-fluid protagonist in 'Orlando' and the rise of contemporary queer YA literature, exemplified by works like 'Cemetery Boys' and 'They Both Die At The End.' This vibrant literary landscape continues to grow, emphasizing the importance of queer stories in fostering inclusivity and understanding in today's society.

Takeaways

• 📜 Queer and trans narratives have a long history, showcasing resilience and love throughout the ages.
• 🏛️ Ancient Greeks contributed homoerotic tales, including Sappho 31, which reflects the emotional turmoil of love between women.
• 📚 During the Middle Ages and Elizabethan era, queer themes were subtly included in literature, often coded due to societal pressures.
• 🔒 In the 1800s, many authors, like E.M. Forster and Oscar Wilde, faced censorship for their queer-themed works, leading to hidden messages in their texts.
• 🌷 Authors used floral language as a metaphor for love and desire, with the pansy symbolizing gay identity.
• 👬 'Joseph and His Friend' by Bayard Taylor is recognized as the first American gay novel, exploring intimate relationships without explicit physicality.
• ✨ The 1920s saw a cultural renaissance, with authors like Virginia Woolf openly exploring gender fluidity and queer themes in their works.
• 📈 The Stonewall uprising catalyzed a wave of openly queer literature, making LGBTQ+ stories more mainstream.
• 🏆 The Lambda Literary Awards were established in 1989 to celebrate diverse LGBTQ+ literature and authors.
• 📖 Recent successes include 'Cemetery Boys' by Aiden Thomas, which marked a significant milestone for trans representation in bestselling literature.

Q & A

What role have queer and trans stories played throughout history?

Queer and trans stories have been critical in showcasing love, passion, and the perseverance of queer people through various hardships across history.

Who is Sappho and what is the significance of her poem Sappho 31?

Sappho was a poet from the Greek isle of Lesbos, and her poem Sappho 31 reflects her anguish over unrequited love for a woman, highlighting early expressions of queer affection.

How did authors during the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan era depict queer characters?

Authors during these periods included queer characters and themes, even if they didn't explicitly identify them as such, often using coded language.

What challenges did queer authors face in the 1800s regarding censorship?

In the 1800s, societal pressure led to the censorship of queer themes in literature, forcing authors to discreetly hide such content to avoid their works being banned or not published.

What is notable about Forster's novel Maurice?

Forster's Maurice was his first explicitly homoerotic novel, but it was not published until after his death in 1970 due to the societal context of the time.

How did coded language manifest in the works of 19th-century queer authors?

19th-century queer authors often used metaphors and coded language, such as floral symbolism, to express their desires and communicate within queer communities.

What is the significance of Virginia Woolf's Orlando?

Virginia Woolf's Orlando features a protagonist who changes gender and is seen as a groundbreaking exploration of gender identity, influenced by Woolf's relationship with Vita Sackville-West.

How did the Stonewall riots impact queer literature?

The Stonewall riots marked a significant moment for queer rights, leading to an increased visibility and acceptance of queer literature and authors in mainstream culture.

What was the first queer YA novel and when was it published?

The first queer YA novel, 'I'll Get There, It Better Be Worth the Trip,' by John Donovan, was published in 1969.

What trends in LGBTQ+ literature sales were observed in 2021?

In 2021, there were 5 million LGBTQ+ fiction books sold, which was double the sales from the previous year, indicating a growing interest and demand for queer stories.