Author's Corner - Why There is a Lesbian in my Novel

Because they exist.

 I know this goes deeper than that, but it really kind of is that simple.

I know where the real shock from this statement comes from though.

I'm Mormon.

So don't I hate gays?

Absolutely not.

Nor do I believe being gay/lesbian/experiencing same-sex attraction is a choice.

I believe that, for whatever reason, God gives certain people that challenge, just like He gave me the challenge of depression. Of course, there is a unique struggle with being LDS and experiencing same-sex attraction that I won't pretend to understand.

But I do know this with absolute certainty:

It is entirely possibly to experience same-sex attraction and still be a worthy member of the church.

It is NOT possible to be/do anything that will pull you out of reach of God's love or Christ's power of redemption.

With this being said, I believe firmly in what God's prophets and apostles have said:

 "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose...God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."

So yes, there is a female character in my novel who is attracted to another female.

Her name is Lillian.

But you might not even realize if I hadn't told you, or if you weren't in tune to that sort of thing.

And there is no instance of same-sex kissing, romance, or anything else along those lines.

I want my writing to be real.

I never want someone to read my books and feel like they can't relate.

So yes, I will have lesbians and/or gays in my books.

I will also firmly stick to the standards I know to be true.

I will have books that are wholesome, uplifting, and that can be read whilst still feeling the Spirit.

I will not write a book that encourages anything contrary to the commandments of God.

And I will stand by the doctrine of my church:

that God loves everyone, and that experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin.

If you have questions about my book, or about my beliefs, or about anything else, please ask!

And for you writers out there, I want you to write what you are comfortable writing, but I also want you to write the truth, which can be (and often is) outside of your comfort zone.

I want to be different.

I want to shine, not hide.

This is one way I am doing that.