The Role of “Queernorm” Literature in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Defining “Queernorm” in the Context of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

“Queer normative” or “queernorm” literature designates a subgenre of speculative fiction set in worlds where social and institutional prejudice against queer and transgender individuals is nonexistent. These narratives directly model societies that have achieved the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), particularly Target 10.3, which seeks to ensure equal opportunity and eliminate discriminatory practices. The defining characteristic of a queernorm text is the complete absence of homophobia or transphobia, meaning the narrative framework treats diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as fully integrated and unremarkable aspects of the social fabric.

Selection Criteria and Alignment with SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

The compilation of relevant titles prioritizes works featuring queer main characters, a criterion that promotes visibility and representation. This focus aligns with the broader objectives of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by contributing to the social empowerment and inclusion of individuals of all gender identities. A key methodological constraint is the exclusion of narratives where non-human entities, such as robots or aliens, serve as allegories for non-binary identities, thereby emphasizing the importance of authentic human representation. It is important to note that the absence of identity-based prejudice does not imply a lack of conflict; rather, conflicts in these stories stem from other plot-driven sources, which serves to normalize queer existence within complex and engaging narratives.

Analysis of Selected “Queernorm” Science Fiction Titles

Top 10 Case Studies

1. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
   This novella explores themes of purpose, sustainability, and mental well-being (SDG 3) through the journey of a nonbinary tea monk in a post-industrial society. The world-building reflects a deep respect for ecological balance (SDG 15) within a culture that has achieved comprehensive social inclusion (SDG 10).
2. Winter’s Orbit and Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell
   These novels utilize the tropes of space opera and political intrigue to examine diplomacy, alliances, and conflict resolution. By centering queer characters in high-stakes political marriages designed to maintain interstellar peace, the narrative directly engages with the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
3. Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
   Featuring a nonbinary lesbian protagonist in a science fiction heist plot, this title normalizes queer identities within a mainstream genre framework. Such representation contributes to the cultural shifts necessary to foster the acceptance and equality promoted by SDG 5 and SDG 10.
4. This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar
   An epistolary romance between rival agents in a temporal war, this story demonstrates how human connection can transcend conflict and division. It reinforces the core message of SDG 10 by showing that identity is not a barrier to forming profound relationships, even amidst opposition.
5. Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
   With a nonbinary pacifist artist as its protagonist, this novel addresses themes of imperialism, tyranny, and ethical resistance. The character’s struggle against an oppressive military regime highlights the importance of justice and accountable institutions as envisioned in SDG 16.
6. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
   This space opera explores interstellar politics, cultural assimilation, and identity. The integration of a significant sapphic romance into a complex political narrative normalizes queer relationships in contexts of power and influence, supporting SDG 5’s call for full and effective participation in political life.
7. Always Human by Ari North
   Set in a future where body modifications are common, this graphic novel focuses on a relationship where one partner cannot use them due to a medical condition. The story promotes themes of acceptance and disability inclusion, directly supporting the mandate of SDG 10 to empower and include all individuals.
8. The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette de Bodard
   This narrative features a sentient spaceship and a data analyst entering a marriage of convenience to secure a pirate fleet. The story challenges conventional definitions of personhood and relationships, expanding the scope of diversity and inclusion central to SDG 10.
9. Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
   This science fiction horror novel places queer characters at the center of a high-stakes conflict against a vampiric threat in space. By featuring diverse protagonists in a popular genre, the work contributes to the broader cultural normalization of LGBTQ+ identities.
10. The NeoG Series by KB Wagers
    This space opera follows a diverse ensemble cast within the Near-Earth Orbital Guard. The crew’s collaborative efforts to uncover a conspiracy underscore the effectiveness and strength of inclusive teams, reflecting the principles of building effective and inclusive institutions (SDG 16).

Expanded Corpus and Observations on Diversity

Additional Titles Supporting Inclusive Narratives

• The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
• The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
• Stars, Hide Your Fires by Jessica Mary Best
• The Actual Star by Monica Byrne
• The Archive Undying by Emma Mieko Candon
• Once & Future by A.R. Capetta
• The Tinkered Stars series by Gail Carriger
• Crownchasers by Rebecca Coffindaffer
• Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
• Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott
• A Slice of Mars by Guerric Haché
• The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton
• The Stars are Legion by Kameron Hurley
• These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs
• Star Splitter by Matthew J Kirby
• The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
• The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis
• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
• The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
• Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters by Aimee Ogden
• Local Star by Aimee Ogden
• The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older
• The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt
• The Stars Undying by Emery Robin
• Burning Bright by Melissa Scott
• Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
• Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
• August Kitko and the Mechas From Space by Alex White
• Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise
• So You Want to Be a Robot by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor
• The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang

Critical Observations on Representation and SDG 10.2

A critical analysis of the compiled list reveals a disproportionate representation of white authors. This observation highlights a significant challenge in achieving the full ambition of SDG Target 10.2, which calls for the social and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or other status. While the queernorm genre makes significant strides in representing diverse sexual and gender identities, this disparity indicates that further progress is required to ensure that such inclusive narratives are also intersectional and equitably represent creators from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Conclusion: The Impact of Inclusive Narratives on Sustainable Development

In conclusion, “queernorm” science fiction serves as a valuable cultural tool for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By creating and popularizing narratives that envision worlds free of identity-based discrimination, this genre provides tangible models of societies that have achieved the core principles of SDG 5, SDG 10, and SDG 16. These stories not only offer escapism and affirmation for queer readers but also contribute to a broader social dialogue, inspiring audiences to advocate for a more just, equitable, and inclusive reality. They demonstrate that a world without prejudice is not only possible but can serve as the foundation for compelling and imaginative storytelling, thereby fostering the cultural momentum needed to achieve sustainable development for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal is relevant because the article focuses on literature that eliminates transphobia and prominently features nonbinary and sapphic (lesbian, bisexual, etc.) characters. By championing stories set in worlds where gender identity is not a basis for prejudice, the article connects to the core principle of achieving equality for all genders, including transgender and nonbinary individuals.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This is the most central SDG to the article’s theme. The concept of “queernorm” is defined as worlds where “transphobia and homophobia doesn’t exist.” This directly addresses the goal of reducing inequalities by imagining societies where social inclusion is the norm for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, which falls under the “other status” category in Target 10.2.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is connected through its aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. The article highlights the appeal of queernorm books for readers who “want to see ourselves represented in stories where we don’t have to endure prejudice.” This desire for safety from prejudice and discrimination aligns with SDG 16’s vision of a just and inclusive society where non-discriminatory principles are upheld.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

  The article’s focus on “sapphic sci-fi romance” and worlds without transphobia directly supports the spirit of this target. It showcases fictional worlds where discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation (particularly against queer women) has been completely eliminated, presenting an ideal fulfillment of this goal.

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

  The article’s entire premise is built around this target. “Queernorm” literature, by its definition, portrays the complete social inclusion of queer and trans people. The author emphasizes the importance of this by focusing on “books with queer main characters,” which serves to empower and promote the visibility and inclusion of these communities in cultural narratives.

• Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices…

  The fictional worlds described in the article are settings where discriminatory practices against queer and trans people do not exist, thus ensuring equal opportunity for them within those societies. The article also implicitly critiques the real world for not meeting this target by noting the need for such escapist fiction. Furthermore, it points to an inequality of outcome in publishing, stating that the books are “disproportionately by white authors,” highlighting a real-world area where this target is not being met.

• Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

  The article discusses fictional worlds that function as if non-discriminatory policies regarding gender and sexuality are perfectly enforced and ingrained in the culture. The existence of these “queernorm” societies in literature promotes the ideal behind this target, illustrating what a world free from such prejudice could look like.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Volume and availability of media promoting inclusion.

  The article itself, by compiling a list of “10 Queernorm Sci-Fi Books” and mentioning a previous list of 35 fantasy books and a bonus list of “30 more,” acts as an indicator. The growing number and curation of such books suggest an increase in cultural products that promote the social inclusion of queer and trans people, which can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2.

• Indicator: Representation of marginalized groups in prominent roles.

  The author’s explicit decision to focus on “books with queer main characters” implies that the quantity and quality of representation in central, rather than peripheral, roles is a key measure of progress. The article highlights books with “nonbinary pacifist main character,” “nonbinary lesbian sci-fi heist,” and “sapphic sci-fi romance,” showcasing the diversity of representation as a positive indicator.

• Indicator: Intersectional analysis of representation and opportunity.

  The article provides a critical indicator of inequality by observing that “queernorm books are mostly by and about white sapphics” and are “disproportionately by white authors.” This points to a lack of equal opportunity (Target 10.3) within the publishing industry. This observation serves as an indicator that measures whether progress in reducing inequality for one group (queer people) is being shared across other intersecting identities (race).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bookriot.com