Well, 'The Gilda Stories' by Jewelle Gomez is a great choice. It's a vampire story that also delves into themes related to race, gender, and homosexuality. The main character, Gilda, is a lesbian vampire who travels through different times and places, and the book gives a fresh take on the vampire genre while also being inclusive of gay experiences. Also, 'Queer Space: Building a Gay - Friendly Future' edited by Wendy Gay Pearson has some interesting science - fiction stories that are specifically about queer experiences in imagined futures.
One great gay science fiction novel is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of gender and sexuality in a unique alien world setting. Another is 'Wicked Gentlemen' by Ginn Hale. It combines elements of dark fantasy and science fiction with a gay relationship at its core. And 'Ascension' by Jacqueline Koyanagi also stands out, with a diverse cast and a story that includes queer relationships within a space - faring adventure.
'The House of the Scorpion' by Nancy Farmer. It has a richly imagined world and among its characters and sub - plots, there are elements that can be related to gay experiences. It's a story about a clone in a dystopian future and touches on many themes including identity which can be seen in the context of gay identity as well.
Some of the books in the list could feature advanced technology that impacts the relationships of gay characters. Maybe there are stories where a new form of communication or transportation affects how gay characters interact with each other and the world around them. Also, the stories may vary in terms of their tone, from dark and gritty to more light - hearted and hopeful, but all within the framework of science - fiction and with a focus on gay experiences.
They usually have unique world - building. For example, some might create societies where homosexuality is the norm or is treated very differently from our own world. This can lead to interesting power dynamics and social structures within the story.
For beginners, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' is a great start. It's a classic that's not too difficult to understand and has very interesting concepts related to gender and homosexuality in a science - fiction context. Another good option is 'Wicked Gentlemen'. It has an engaging story with a gay relationship that's easy to follow and is set in a world that combines science - fiction and fantasy elements.
In the 'Mass Effect' series, there are characters who can be gay. For example, the player has the option to create a gay male or lesbian female protagonist. This not only allows for more inclusive gameplay but also reflects the diversity that could potentially exist in a vast, intergalactic society. It gives players the chance to explore relationships and storylines that are relevant to the gay community within the context of a science - fiction adventure.
Gay characters in science fiction are important as they promote inclusivity. They allow the LGBT+ community to see themselves represented in futuristic or otherworldly settings, which gives a sense of belonging.
There might be a book like 'The Stars are Legion' that could potentially be in that 2016 list. It has a unique world - building aspect and also touches on gay relationships within its science - fiction narrative. It creates a complex and engaging story world that explores various themes including those related to gay characters.
There's also 'The City and the Pillar' by Gore Vidal. This was quite revolutionary when it was released as it dealt with homosexuality in a more upfront way in the context of a story that has elements of science - fiction. It was one of the early works to do so and has had a significant impact on the genre.