For decades surrounding the 1950s, queer characters were portrayed as sick, murderous, alcoholic, and dangerous–and those were the most sympathetic characters. Since the Stonewall Uprising, audiences have demanded more for queer characters, but has there been an over-correction, resulting in more admirable but equally flat, “perfectly queer,” characters? Dr. Wilson will discuss queer characters and characterization in literature from a scholarly and craft perspective, emphasizing the necessity for fully humanized queer characters for both acceptance and representation. She will explore various works of literature as well as read from her own work in progress.