How to write a gay/bisexual character

Yes, by being stereotyped that among other things. Stereotype threat is a real thing and hence it is not just okay to use them.

And there are stereotypes with no basis in real life.

edited 26th Apr '14 11:35:25 AM by Antiteilchen

Stock character: A stock character is a stereotypical fictional character whom audiences readily recognize from frequent recurrences in a particular literary tradition.

Also, Princeton's take.

Also, I think you misunderstand stereotype threat. If you experience stereotype threat, sorry, but it's more you needing to get over everyone else and just do you. 'Cause, honestly, no one you should care about frickin' cares, and anyone who cares, you shouldn't care about.

edited 27th Apr '14 10:47:54 PM by Poisonarrow

Feminist in the streets, sex slave in the sheets

re: sexuality not being required:

While this is true, our society is heteronormative. Make someone devoid of orientation and people WILL assume they are straight. Thus it is usually beneficial to either A: attempt to write a book devoid of heteronormativity, or B: make sure the character's orientations are at least, implied, because otherwise no one will read them as anything but straight.

re: writing stereotypes:

While it's true, you will never avoid running into stereotypes, I find that thinking that way is a bit harmful. Writing parts of a stereotype is not the same as writing thoughtless clichéd schlock, and few people differentiate between the two. Writing used archetypes is not the same as being stereotypical, so long as some god damn thought and effort is put behind it.

edited 28th Apr '14 6:55:38 AM by MrAHR

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Mod Hat ON

Please do not derail this thread into a discussion of the greater sociopolitical issue of stereotypes in Real Life. And definitely don't hijack it to be about bullying. This thread is about how to write a character; there are threads for those other subjects elsewhere.

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...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.

AHR: My feelings exactly.

I don't care whether a gay character is a glitter slinging fashionista, an axe wielding psychopath, or a sports savant jock. If they're an interesting read, go ahead with it.

Feminist in the streets, sex slave in the sheets