Why the UK publishing industry fails marginalised LGBTQ voices—and how we can fix it
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It’s 2025. Pride Month is in full swing. But behind the rainbow flags and celebratory tweets, the UK publishing industry is still letting down its most marginalised LGBTQ voices—and it’s high time we called it out.
The numbers don’t lie – but they do disappoint
Let’s start with the stats, because they paint a stark picture. According to the Publishers Association’s 2024 Workforce Report, 16% of publishing employees identify as LGB+. This is way above the UK average of 3.8%. Sounds good, right? Not so fast.
Transgender representation is stuck at just 1%.
And when it comes to senior roles, LGBTQ+ representation drops off a cliff—from 14% at entry level to a measly 7% in executive management. That means the people making the big decisions often don’t reflect the diversity of the stories they’re meant to champion.
The invisible LGBTQ barriers
Publishing is still a world where who you know—and how much money you have—matters more than your talent. Unpaid internships, London-centric jobs, and a reliance on networking shut out LGBTQ+ writers from lower-income or regional backgrounds. If you can’t afford to work for free or move to the capital, you’re already at a disadvantage.
Publishers are risk-averse. They want books that sell, and too often, that means sticking to familiar, mainstream narratives. LGBTQ+ stories—especially those by marginalised authors—are seen as “niche” or “risky,” so they’re less likely to get picked up.
Then there’s the double whammy. If you’re LGBTQ+ and from a marginalised background—say, a person of colour, disabled, or working-class—the barriers multiply. Only 8% of UK-published books are by writers of colour, and just 3% of bestsellers are by Black authors. The industry’s lack of diversity at the top means these voices are even less likely to be heard.
Discrimination and bias
Unconscious bias is everywhere. Manuscripts by LGBTQ+ authors, especially those from marginalised groups, are more likely to be overlooked or pigeonholed into “coming out” or “tragedy” narratives. And let’s not forget the discrimination and harassment that many LGBTQ+ creatives still face in the workplace.
Mentorship? Development opportunities? Not if you’re a marginalised LGBTQ+ writer. The industry is crying out for more structured support, but right now, it’s patchy at best. Financial instability is also a huge issue—many writers struggle to make a living, let alone build a sustainable career.
What needs to change?
It’s not all doom and gloom. There are glimmers of hope. Initiatives like Hachette’s Grow Your Story and Penguin Random House’s diversity targets are steps in the right direction. But we need more—much more.
Here’s what the industry must do:
- Diversify the decision-makers. More LGBTQ+ people—especially from marginalised backgrounds—in senior roles means more diverse stories get told.
- Scrap unpaid internships. Talent shouldn’t be limited to those who can afford to work for free.
- Invest in mentorship and development. Give marginalised LGBTQ+ writers the support they need to thrive.
- Champion intersectional stories. Publish books that reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experience—joy, love, family, and everyday life.
- Support indie bookshops. These community hubs are vital for getting diverse stories into readers’ hands.
Why this matters
Books have the power to change lives. They can inspire, educate, and foster empathy. But only if everyone’s story gets told.
Right now, the UK publishing industry is failing its most marginalised LGBTQ voices. It’s time to do better.
Let’s make sure the next generation of LGBTQ+ writers—no matter their background—gets the platform, support, and respect they deserve.
