In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri speaks with Olly Dee - a science fiction author and member of the LGBTQ+ community - about the importance of representation in the genre.
They discuss how science fiction can provide a sense of hope and belonging for those who feel othered, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. Olly shares their early experiences with science fiction, noting the impact of books like "A Wrinkle in Time" on them. They also highlight the significance of seeing oneself reflected in future narratives, emphasizing that representation should go beyond coming-out stories and portray the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences.
The conversation then shifts to the lack of happy endings for LGBTQ+ characters in many science fiction works, which Olly identifies as a harmful trend. They advocate for more intersectionality in science fiction, calling for stories that showcase characters with diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Olly also touches on the positive influence of shows like Steven Universe, which feature relatable and complex LGBTQ+ characters, and shares a personal anecdote about their early encounter with a gender-fluid character in a short story.
They also discuss Olly's debut novel, including "Squire of Soul 2," which can be found here.
Timestamps:
●0:00 - 2:00: Introduction and Olly's background10
●2:00 - 8:00: Olly's journey with science fiction and the need for representation
●8:00 - 11:00: Steven Universe and the impact of relatable representation, including for the LGBTQ+ community.
●11:00 - 14:00: The need for diverse storytelling and moving beyond coming-out narratives
●14:00 - 18:00: Olly's debut novel "Squire of Soul 2" and other literary works
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