There is No Place for Me in The Dresdenverse

I told you about my fan theory about The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher in my last entry. Tarot cards and all that. I offer that as proof that I am indeed a fan of the book series. I’ve been reading it for years. I’ve reread the whole series multiple times. Most of my editions are hardcover. I even own the role-playing game.

It is from the standpoint of a disappointed fan that I say this; there’s no place for someone like me in the Dresdenverse.

As I was rereading the series earlier this year, getting ready for Peace Talks, the first half of the latest entry in the series, I came to a realization. Where are all the queers?

I’m not saying that everyone has to write stories about LGBTQ+ people. I’m not even saying that everyone has to include a queer person in their tales. But these are novels, short stories, graphic novels, and a television show about the magical community. In Chicago. And you’re telling me that there isn’t a single Lesbian, Gay man, Bisexual person, Transgender person, Queer person, or any other gender or sexual minority in that community. If you’ve ever hung out with witches or at an LGBTQ bar, you know that there is a great deal of intersectionality in those groups. So where are they?

Butcher wouldn’t have to make a main character gay or bi. He wouldn’t even have to make a recurring character question their gender identity. I’d be happy for a cute couple in the background at Mac’s. A rather butch but competent police officer. A minor character from the Paranet talk about their partner. Something.

The closest Butcher has come to writing about this population wasn’t until these last couple of books, and let’s just say Harry didn’t handle it well.

I know some of you are going to say, “but I remember when . . . ,” but of all the things you could bring up, were any of them not problematic?

All the times that Harry had a bad reaction when someone thought he and Thomas were a couple?

The time Harry pretended to be a gay man by flouncing around and “trying not to lisp?” Are there effeminate gay men? Yes, of course, but having Harry resort to that stereotype for a laugh just seems lazy.