In celebration of Pride Month, A. W. Jackson author of the bewitching Madame Voodoo series, discusses the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the fantasy genre.
A. W. Jackson says,
Growing up I loved fantasy stories – every special birthday that came around, I always thought ‘this would be the moment that some estranged magical relative reveals that I’m an all-powerful, chosen one, supreme, prophesied witch that will save the world.’ I’m 25 now and still waiting… Perhaps, my 30th will be my magical unveiling.
I think, as a queer child, fantasy resonated with me because there were often very specific groups that were marginalised for being different, their power creating fear due to lack of understanding and ignorance. Just as the X-Men were a metaphor for racism in 1960s America, many other groups can often find these similarities within fictional stories. I think this is why it is so important to not only keep these stories alive but also bridge the gap between fiction and reality. Part of this entails not solely using heterosexual characters within these marginalised groups but also including a wide range of LGBTQ+ characters. All people want in life is to be able to see themselves represented authentically in the media and stories that they consume.
Here is how I have incorporated that into the Madame Voodoo universe:
In the first book in the Madame Voodoo series, one of the main characters comes out halfway through the story, and what follows is a chapter dedicated to how she explored her sexuality and how it changed her life.
The Pudding Lane Witch is all about how far we have come as a society in our acceptance of others, but also how far we still need to go. This is represented through the story of Gweneviere – a bisexual pyrokinetic witch who tries to navigate life as a queer supernatural being from the 1660s all the way to modern day America.
The soon to be released Madame Voodoo and the Voodoo King grows the list of LGBTQ+ characters even more, as Nkechi and Kosum cross the pond to the United Kingdom, where they soon find a home away from home with some new friends.
In conclusion, let’s celebrate pride month by paying homage to iconic queer characters in sci-fi and fantasy literature. My personal favourites are Wiccan and Hulkling, from Marvel Comics. Who are yours?
Check out A. W. Jackson’s books below!
