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.
One characteristic is that they often explore themes of identity in a science - fiction context. For example, in books where the lead is gay, they might be in a future society with different views on sexuality, and the story shows how they navigate that. Another is that these books can use the science - fiction genre to create unique settings for relationships. Like in a space - faring story, a gay couple might face challenges different from those on Earth.
They often feature diverse sexual identities in futuristic or otherworldly settings. For example, they might show how different societies in space or in a post - apocalyptic world view and accept gay relationships differently from our current society.
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.
The books in this list may also show the anxieties of the era. With the Cold War going on, there could be themes related to the fear of nuclear war or the power struggles between different superpowers. At the same time, they might be exploring new ideas in biology and medicine as science was advancing in those fields at that time. For instance, some books could be speculating about genetic engineering or new ways of treating diseases in a science - fiction context.
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.
Some of the books from 1992 might have been characterized by exploring emerging technologies of the time in a fictional context. For example, they could have delved into early concepts of virtual reality like in 'Snow Crash'.
Some might have strong dystopian themes. For example, they could depict a future where society has crumbled due to over - population or environmental disasters.
A characteristic is also the exploration of identity. Gay fiction often delves into how the characters come to terms with their sexual orientation. They might struggle with self - acceptance at first, or they could be in a situation where they have to hide their true selves, and the story then follows their journey to being more open. For instance, some books might show the journey of a character from a conservative family or community where being gay is not easily accepted. These books can be very powerful in showing the human side of the gay experience.