In a society that considers being straight the norm, it’s not uncommon for fiction to be the gay wake-up-call. Perhaps the world of fiction creates a safe space for queer people to explore their thoughts and feelings. Or maybe authors just make their characters too attractive. Regardless of the why, the fact is that many queer book nerds have been drawn to these characters for a reason.
Draco Malfoy from The Harry Potter Series
Do I need to explain? From the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Draco’s striking blond hair and wit has been captivating the queer youth. If you need proof, Archive of Our Own has over 70,000 gay works including his character as of the publishing of this article.
Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan in The Mummy
… Alright, this was technically a movie, first, but there’s a novelization of The Mummy, so it counts. Especially since the impact it had on people as they realized that both of the main characters were hot is too significant not to include. Although we’re focusing on books here, the film The Mummy is a bi awakening masterpiece.
Jacob Black from Twilight
You knew this was going to be on here. I’m sure Edward and Bella stirred plenty of gay feelings in viewers, too, but Jacob’s brooding expression, his dark hair, his strong arms… Also, he’s a werewolf. As a part of the lgbt community myself, I think I can safely say that gay people love werewolves.
Katniss from The Hunger Games
Smart, strong and beautiful? Lesbians didn’t stand a chance against her. She grabbed cupid’s arrow and shot it into their hearts. With her own bow, of course, because she can use a bow and arrow. Did I mention she’s beautiful?
Loki Laufeyson from Marvel
Loki is literally the god of mischief, a genderfluid icon, all wrapped up in a morally gray package. Introduced in 1949, Loki has had 70 years to subject his fans to awakenings on both their gender and sexual/romantic orientation. While he appears in lots of comics, books and films, Loki: Where Mischief Lies is a book dedication to unraveling the mans backstory.
Harley Quinn from DC
Whether you like the Jester hat or dyed pigtails, every version of Harley is a valid candidate for this list. Her bright, very alternative fashion choices draw you in, and her bubbly, slightly unhinged personality keeps you hooked. Bonus points to her being canonically bisexual. Much like Loki, there are lots of picks to choose from, but Harley Quinn: A Celebration of 25 Years compiles some of her best moments!
Sherlock Holmes from Sherlock Holmes
If you’ve ever so much as skimmed the surface of fandom space, you know what I’m talking about. Not only does Sherlock have a large die-hard fanbase, but a significant amount of it is queer. This detective is not only super intelligent, but is well known for being attractive to people of all genders. Also, he’s British. Ever heard of SuperWhoLock? People love dark haired British boys.
Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle
I promise you the novel came out first! Whether you read the book or watched the animated film, Howl is considered a charming, quirky dreamboat… Also, maybe a bit of a drama queen, but we love him for it, anyway.
Elphaba from Wicked
Wicked is less popular than The Wizard of Oz, but it’s well known, nonetheless. Rather than be super popular or pretty, Elphaba’s appeal comes from her strong sense of justice, as well as her relatability. Also her and Glinda are canonically an item, at least in the books…
Imej Ghafa from Six of Crows
Not only is Imej’s resilience admirable, but she’s faithful, determined, and extremely gorgeous. Between not only the Six of Crows duology, but also it’s more recent adaption Shadow and Bone on Netflix, I can almost guarantee that someone’s fallen for her.
Want some LGBTQIA+ reads? Check out some neat articles here!