Female and sapphic protagonism

Hi, I'm Ingrid Gomm, and today I want to share a personal experience about the difficulty of finding fantasy books with sapphic protagonists when I was a teenager, around 1998 to 2003. Growing up, I always loved fantasy stories, but I missed seeing characters like me. I didn't fully understand myself as a teenager, but I also wasn't attracted to boys and always had the feeling that "something wasn't right". Representation in reading is essential, and the lack of it made me realize how important it is to have diverse and inclusive stories.

At the time, fantasy books often followed the classic "princess in need of a prince" plot. Female protagonists were rarely portrayed as independent or capable of solving their own problems. This created a limited and repetitive narrative, where the value and happiness of female characters was always tied to a male savior.

As a young reader, this lack of representation was disheartening. I longed for stories where heroines didn’t need to be rescued, but instead faced challenges head-on, relying on their own strength and, occasionally, the support of friends and family. I wanted to see strong, resilient women who could be complex and courageous, and who could also love other women, even though I wasn’t yet clear on who I would love.

The presence of sapphic protagonists in fantasy stories goes beyond filling a void; it’s about validating experiences and strengthening readers’ self-confidence. When we see characters who reflect our reality, who face and overcome difficulties, we feel inspired and more capable of overcoming our own challenges. These stories can show that, yes, it is possible to triumph on your own, but also that you can count on the support of family and friends along the way.

The shift in narrative from “princess in need of a prince” to stories of independent heroines is crucial. These new stories not only empower women, but they also challenge stereotypes and show that strength comes from within. Heroines can fight, love, and triumph not because of a prince, but because of their own courage and determination.

Writing stories with female and sapphic protagonists is one way to contribute to this change. I want my readers to see themselves in my characters, to feel that their dreams and struggles are valid. I want them to know that they don’t need a prince to be complete; they can be their own heroines.

With love,

Ingrid Gomm