Let’s be real: ever since Bridgerton dropped, we’ve all been a little obsessed with the scandalous, high-society drama of the Regency era. The empire-waist gowns, the formal balls, the forbidden glances across a crowded room… it’s pure escapism. But while the mainstream shows are giving us hints and whispers of queer love, there’s a whole literary world where LGBTQ+ romances aren’t just a subplot—they’re the main event. And honey, it is sizzling.
So, how queer can a historical romance get? According to authors Nola Saint James and James Gaynor, who recently chatted on the “How To Date Men” podcast, the answer is: very. It turns out, beneath the starched cravats and tight corsets of 19th-century England, there’s a thriving genre dedicated to queer love stories, happy endings and all.
First, A Quick History Lesson (The Fun Version)
When we talk “Regency,” we’re technically talking about the short period from 1811 to 1820 when King George III was too ill to rule, and his son took over as Prince Regent. But culturally, it was an explosive time of art, architecture, and social change that set the stage for epic romance. Think grand country estates, London’s glittering “season” where debutantes (and bachelors) were paraded around, and a rigid society just begging for a few rules to be broken. It’s the perfect playground for forbidden passion.
Queering the Ballroom
While history books might have glossed over it, queer people have always existed, and the world of Regency romance is reclaiming that truth with gusto. Authors are diving into this era to write the stories that were forced into the margins, creating narratives filled with secret trysts, coded language, and the heart-pounding risk of falling for someone you’re not “supposed” to.
The appeal isn’t just about the tension of the forbidden. It’s about finding joy and building community against the odds. It’s a powerful fantasy that gives queer characters the happily-ever-afters they were so often denied in reality. This genre has been booming, creating a dedicated fanbase long before shows like Bridgerton brought queer characters like Brimsley and Reynolds in Queen Charlotte to the screen.
“The past is another country, but it’s a country that was full of queer people,” author KJ Charles, a giant in the historical romance space, has famously said, reminding us that these stories aren’t an anachronism but a restoration of a hidden history.
These novels offer a depth that TV sometimes shies away from, exploring the full spectrum of a relationship, from the first spark to the emotional and physical intimacy that follows. They are a much-needed “fuel for our fantasies.”
More Than Just Steamy Scenes
While the heat level in these books can be scorching, the emotional core is what truly hooks readers. The genre explores profound themes of identity, chosen family, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world designed to keep you hidden. Many modern authors writing in this space are leveraging their creative freedom to challenge the historical narrative.
As author Cat Sebastian explained in an interview with NPR, it’s about imagining a different world. “What if the world was a little bit kinder than we think it was?” she posed. “What if people were able to find happiness?”
That “what if” is the magic ingredient. It allows readers to escape into a world that, while historically inspired, is ultimately shaped by hope, passion, and the radical belief that everyone, in every era, deserves a great love story.
“The point of a romance novel is to make the reader feel good,” author Alexis Hall told Entertainment Weekly, perfectly summing up the genre’s ultimate mission. “And to give them a happy ending.”
So, if you’re looking for a historical escape that centers on heart-stopping, man-on-man romance, the world of queer Regency fiction is waiting for you. It’s a rich, diverse, and passionate genre that proves love has never been a straight line.
