The Many Joys of Writing Queer Romance

by Wren Valentino

Writing queer romance is a joyful, powerful, and deeply meaningful endeavor. As queer authors, we have the opportunity to tell love stories that haven’t always been given space on the page. For too long, queer love was relegated to subtext or tragedy, but today, we get to celebrate it in all its beauty, complexity, and joy. Our stories matter, not just because they entertain, but because they affirm and uplift the lived experiences of our community.

One of the most beautiful aspects of writing queer romance is the connection we share with our readers. Before we were writers, we were readers—searching for reflections of ourselves in the stories we loved, hoping to find characters who loved like us, who longed like us, who dreamed like us. Now, as writers, we get to create those stories, offering our readers the validation and representation we once craved. It’s a cycle of love and storytelling that binds us together, generation after generation.

Queer romance is unique, not just in its representation but in its innovation. Many of us are breaking new ground without even realizing it. Whether we’re challenging traditional tropes, redefining happily-ever-afters, or showcasing love in all its diverse forms, our work is pushing boundaries and expanding what romance can be. In writing our truths, we create space for future stories to flourish.

Beyond the individual impact, writing queer romance means being part of a vibrant, supportive community. We are not just authors—we are a family. We lift each other up, celebrate each other’s successes, and champion the stories that deserve to be told. In a world that has often sought to erase or diminish queer voices, we stand together, ensuring that our stories are heard, shared, and cherished.

Ultimately, by writing and sharing our stories, we are creating representation on the page. We are giving readers the gift of seeing themselves in love stories that affirm their existence. We are changing the landscape of romance and literature, ensuring that queer love—beautiful, messy, joyful, and real—will always have a place.

And that is a joy like no other.