I just want to read some literature with queer joy for gay men in them.
I recently realised I can't think of any work of literary fiction where gay men just get to end up together and be happy.
Of course, there are a zillion gay romance novels out there these days (Red, White and Royal Blue, the Game Changers series, etc.), but I don't enjoy romance novels as a genre. I just want to read beautiful literary fiction that doesn't end in tragedy for the gays.
Some amazing works of literary fiction with queer male romantic plots I've read in recent years include In the Distance by Hernan Diaz, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, The Bee Sting by Paul Murray and Regeneration by Pat Barker. I loved each of these books, but they all ended badly for the gay men. I'd love recommendations similar to these, but where the gay men get to have happy endings please!
Edit to say: I just realised that I read Maurice when I was a teenager, and that may be the only work of literary fiction I've read where the gay men get to be together in the end! How could I forget it? It's the only one I can think of.
by Flagging_enthusiasm
5 Comments
Okay so I don’t think it’s really what your asking for because it’s more plot driven than character driven like your other ones but your bio says you like horror so I’ll suggest “bury your gays” by Chuck Tingle because it’s about this exact trope and the refusal to give into it.
I’ve been asking for this too and haven’t found one yet. John of John just nearly killed me. Is queer and happy to much to ask for? 😭
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke—an absurd office satire where a guy gets “tronned” into his office Slack channel and there is a strong gay office romance through line.
Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is scifi but so well written and fills my queer heart with joy.
The Spear Cuts Through Water is literary fantasy, I’d say the ending has a bit of bittersweetness, but can confirm that the two gay men are very much alive and together at the end.