What is Queernorm and Why Do I Write It?

So I just learned the word ‘queernorm’ and realized that it’s the perfect descriptor for what I write. I can’t believe nobody brought this up to me before…but I don’t hold it against y’all. It’s only been around since the 2010s. :P

“Wait,” you might be thinking, “slow down. What is queernorm?”

Queernorm refers to stories and books where queer people and queer identities are part of daily life. They’re not a problem to be solved; instead, they’re treated as neutral or openly embraced. By definition, these stories aren’t about characters coming to terms with their sexuality, and the core conflict isn’t centered around homophobia, queerphobia, or transphobia.

Although I’ve written stories where people discover their identity, in most of my books, the characters already know who they are. Even when other characters initially mess up a nonbinary protagonist’s name or pronouns, they immediately flip a switch and use the right words once corrected. 

In the stories I write that include a queer awakening, I don’t include big, gushy coming-out scenes. That’s in part because I understand that ‘coming out’ is a continuous process — unfortunately, it’s not a one-and-done thing the way media portrays it — but it’s also because I don’t think it should be the massive ordeal society makes it out to be. It wouldn’t be if queerness were normalized.

Some might argue that queernorm is too “out there” and doesn’t reflect everyday LGBTQIA+ life, and I would agree to a certain extent. We live in a world where anti-LGBTQIA+ laws are popping up everywhere, and people who were already inclined to hate us feel emboldened to do so more loudly. It’s awful.

(And, in case you’re wondering, LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, etc. The A doesn’t stand for ‘ally’. No offense to allies — we need you more than ever — but I’m just pointing out a misconception. Anyway.)

Real-life, everyday awfulness is precisely why I write queernorm.

Queernorm is a kind of queer utopia where everyone is accepting, where gender and sexuality aren’t even the most interesting thing about the characters and people don’t experience violence just for being who they are.

That’s exactly what I want to write about.

I want my books to be an escape from the bullshit we actually deal with. I want my fellow LGBTQIA+ people to see what’s possible. We already have to confront the dark, gritty story that is reality on a daily basis. We all deserve a little escapism as a treat.

So now that I know, please allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Janvier Olszon and I write no-spice queernorm romance with speculative and paranormal elements. My work includes queernorm stories, queernorm novellas, and — coming soon — a collection of queernorm short stories!

I’m reaching semantic satiation with the word ‘queernorm,’ so I’m going to end this here, lol.

If you actually read this, you rule and I hope you’re having a great day. Happy Almost-Pride-Month!

Your friend,

Janvier Olszon