The question I’m always asking is: How can the characters interactions with their settings and surroundings reveal important details?

Inserted into a story, the objects that surround your characters can provide all sorts of clues about who they are, how they want to be perceived, and perhaps what they are hiding.

The examples below can be used across all genres and are not limited to how I describe their possible uses. Remember in queer fiction, the only rule is: whatever works!

Out and Proud

A rainbow badge worn to work, pronouns pins, rainbow socks, or multicoloured hair, so the whole world can know how they feel about their sexuality and identity, are powerful and visible symbols for some characters, and they can indicate comfort and fearlessness in their sexuality and identity.

For a queer character, to see a rainbow symbol can be an indicator of a safe space or a place where they can be more comfortably themselves.

Visiting your character’s home and looking around might be a time to think about queer artwork. What do they have on the walls or mantelpiece? LGBTQ+ themed icons, images of drag queens, pride flags, or Cher and Britney memorabilia. Stereotypes can be played with and embraced or skirted depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.

The activist side of your character might be on display with a trans or pride flag pinned to the wall. Pamphlets, leaflets, or posters from their current focus as a change-maker. Do they engage more subtly with provocative film posters, or do they try to hide certain items when a friend, neighbour, or new love interest pops around?

When I’m editing queer mystery novels, I’m looking at how objects and clues that are specific to the queer community can be used. This can be a lot of fun to play around with.

Queer-themed jewellery, queer magazines, or access to Grindr or other dating apps can all be sprinkled into a narrative to highlight relationships, affiliations, and passions. Pride festival ticket stubs, wristbands from the queer rock group they saw last weekend, or other queer-themed events. Do they regularly attend a queer book club, or did they try once and never return?

Perceptions

If they want to be perceived as generous or friendly, in a gay romance novel, then gifts are another great object to play around with for character development and revealing character traits. Expensive gifts can mean a character really cares, but it could also show an imbalance in a relationship if the partner is not such a high earner, or one character’s attempt at giving a sentimental handmade gift might backfire when the partner doesn’t appreciate the value in the offering.

How are gifts given and received in their culture? Do they tear it open and gush over the contents of the box, or is it more appropriate to take it home and open it privately? How can social norms and expectations be subverted for dramatic effect?

On the down low

Objects, signs, and symbols can be used as a covert messaging system in my process of editing queer historical fiction with diverse representation because where (location, time period, and historical context) all shape to what degree the character can live openly.

They might keep their pictures hidden and under wraps. A framed photo by their bed, but they’ll keep it hidden depending on the level of safety or who is coming to call.

How do they handle physical objects such as letters, clothing, or do they react negatively to displays of rainbows or pride flags? This can reveal as much about their character and status within the story as an out-and-proud acceptance can.

Queer characters are always on a journey, and some, sadly, still have one foot in the closet due to safety concerns, family, or cultural pressures, so it’s worth considering how they would interact with the objects in their life.

Try these prompts:

Your character finds a crumpled-up pride flag on the pavement. It looks like it has been torn down and is in need of a wash. What’s their first reaction internally? Do they touch it? Do they take it with them? Would they mention it to their friends?

Someone reacts positively to a rainbow-patterned wristband, piece of jewellery, or item of clothing that your character is wearing. How do they respond? What does their reaction reveal about them? What connections or bonds does it show the reader in the potential of a new friendship or relationship?

Let me know when you’re ready to turn these scribble into your ideal story! Queer romance, crime, and historical fiction are my JAM! Always happy to talk queer fiction.