There's 'Ammonite' by Nicola Griffith. This book is set in a post - apocalyptic world where the main character, a paleontologist, has various experiences that touch on gay relationships within the context of rebuilding society and understanding the past, so it combines historical elements with science fiction and gay themes.
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez is also a great one. It follows the life of a black lesbian vampire over centuries, which blends historical settings from different eras with science fiction elements like vampirism, and of course, has strong gay themes.
One example is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of gender and sexuality in a science - fictional, alien world with elements of political and cultural exploration that could be considered in a historical - like context.
Another excellent work is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. It retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus from Greek mythology, delving deep into their relationship within the historical context of ancient Greece. It's beautifully written, bringing the characters and their world to life.
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.
One great example is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It's set in the early 20th century and tells the story of a young man's journey of self - discovery in terms of his sexual orientation within the constraints of the society of that time. Another is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller which is a retelling of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in a historical and romantic context.
One great example is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It's set in the early 20th century and beautifully explores the life and love of a gay man in a society that was not very accepting. Another is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, which has strong lesbian themes within the historical context of African - American life in the South. 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf is also a classic, with its unique exploration of gender and sexuality across time.
One great gay historical fiction book is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It's set in the early 20th century and explores the life and loves of a young man named Maurice. Another is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, which retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus in a beautifully written way. Also, 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin is a classic that delves into themes of love, identity, and sexuality in a 1950s Paris setting.
Another example could be 'The Stars Are Legion' by Kameron Hurley. It features a diverse cast of characters, including gay male characters, in a gritty and complex science - fiction universe filled with political intrigue and strange technologies.
One great example is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It features a world where gender is fluid, and the main character's journey is filled with elements of science fiction like exploring different cultures on a far - off planet. Another is 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin. While it may not be a traditional science - fiction in the sense of spaceships and aliens, it does deal with complex human relationships in a somewhat otherworldly way through the lens of the gay lead character's experiences.
A more recent example could be 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir. It has a complex world - building with a lot of queer representation, including gay relationships. The story is set in a sort of post - apocalyptic, space - faring universe with necromancers and cavaliers, and the gay relationships are an important part of the characters' development and the overall plot.
One great free gay historical fiction is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It's set in the early 20th century and explores the life and love of a young man named Maurice who is coming to terms with his homosexuality in a society that doesn't accept it easily.