Aug 24th, 2007
Sci-Fi Protagonist is a Bothie
Can’t say I’m a Science Fiction fan, but some of my readers are. One of those readers knew, that in my ongoing quest to find queerspawn “everywhere,” I would appreciate knowing about this book.
The Ethos Effect by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Tor, 2003)
The main character, Van, is talking to Emily when he casually mentions that another female character is in a relationship with a woman. Emily asks, “You don’t approve?”
Van laughed. “I had two fathers.”
“You?” After a moment, she added, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Mostly. My mother lived next door with her partner. But she was killed in a climbing accident…her partner moved, didn’t want to stay in the house.”
“I never would have guessed…” Emily shook her head. “And you?” She added quickly. “I’m sorry. That’s terribly rude. You certainly don’t–”
I think she’s about to say, you certainly don’t look seem gay. Or maybe, you certainly don’t seem like you have gay parents. Why do I think that’s what she’s about to say? Personal experience. Fortunately, Van interrupts her before she can finish her silly statement.
Van brushed off her demurral. “That’s all right. Although my fathers hoped, they never pressed, and, no, I don’t take after them that way. I only hope I do in [other ways] though.”