Books are beautiful and valuable for many reasons, but one of the most important must be mirroring the society. Even fictional books in dystopian or utopian worlds show the author’s feelings and opinions about their area and society. So today we’ll look into the evolution of gay dating in literature.
You’ll notice that topics have changed, which is good because it shows that the world is moving to acceptance and equality. But of course, remember that real dating and relationships in books aren’t the same (that can be more or less true depending on the genre).
Let’s first look at the differences…
Real Dating vs Romance in Books
“He ordered a gin and tonic and started scanning the guys in the bar. He knew what he wanted… Needed. Yet, he didn’t know who he wanted. If he had, he probably would never have approached that guy with a G-shock watch…”
While that may remind you of an average train of thoughts a gay man has during the walk of shame, you live an exciting life. But some men get hooked on romantic or spicy novels and expect real dates to go as smoothly as those in books.
And don’t get us wrong, that can happen. But it’s not to be expected. Books are there to capture our attention and aim our deepest desires. So, take them with a grain of salt.
Yet, that doesn’t mean that exciting dates don’t happen 24/7 in the LGBTQA+ world. Guys who want casual dates find them on a local gay hookup platform with modern features and an active community. Both are important. Modern features like live chat and matchmaking games make meeting partners much smoother and safer. An active community means there are enough men to chat, meet, and date.
So even though gay dating in real life might be a bit slower and less exciting than in most books, it’s certainly a lot of fun if done right.
And we can partially thank that to…
Evolution of Gay Dating Themes in Literature
In books, the way gay dating is shown has changed a lot over time. Old books like “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin showed how hard it was for gay people to… Well… Be gay. At least not openly.
But newer books like “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman break these old ideas and show all kinds of gay relationships. They talk about love and finding out who you are.
Recent popular books like “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston also talk about how important it is to accept yourself and others, showing happy stories about LGBTQ+ love. As society moves forward, books change. Nowadays, in general, the focus isn’t on the struggles anymore but on telling more and more stories about what it’s like to date as a gay person, with all its ups and downs.
In a way, there’s no difference between gay dating and heterosexual dating in literature anymore. And that’s amazing because it’s proof of evolution and equality.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This young adult novel follows Simon Spier, a high school student who is secretly gay. When his emails fall into the wrong hands, Simon’s secret is at risk of being exposed, leading to a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love.
It’s a suitable book for young men who can relate to Simon. It can help them figure some things out and meet themselves better while reading an exciting story. And in our opinion, that’s amazing because it’s better to learn from someone else’s mistakes, especially if they are fictional.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Imagine that a guy who was supposed to be your soulmate is marrying another man. How would that make you feel?
If you want to read how a failed novelist, Arthur Less, felt in such a situation, grab a copy of “Less” and follow him on a journey he started to avoid his ex’s wedding. Along the way, Arthur reflects on his past and discovers unexpected truths about love and life.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Achilles was amazing, but Madeline Miller had a great idea… To retell the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ companion and lover. This book offers a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Miller’s lyrical prose brings to life the epic romance between these legendary figures, revealing the depth of their connection amidst the backdrop of ancient Greece.
Those are our three gay dating bestseller book suggestions. We’d love to see that you wrote reviews about them, but even if you don’t plan to review them, we’re sure you’d enjoy reading them.
The Lit Bitch 