LGBTQ+ representation in literature

I have decided to highlight a literary essay talking about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in literature. This incredible essay, written by Janelle N. Synder, talks of the struggles queer people have endured for well over a century and how representation is crucial to furthering queer rights and acceptance. She discusses statistics relating to mental health and suicide in the queer community and how queer people, for such a long time, have not had any good representation. Seeing queer characters like yourself helps boost your self-esteem and also can help you come out. It is a lengthy piece, but she hits the nail on a lot of important details that can help further support the queer community. Give it a read if you can! 

( https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2518&context=grp ) 

-Trinity Cogan