20 of the best LGBTQIA+ works of science fiction

Ethan of Athos (Cover image via Baen Books)

20. Ethan of Athos

Unlike some other works of science fiction, the LGBTQIA+ content of Ethan of Athos is not only prominent but vital to the novel’s story. That isn’t to say that it’s a work perfectly in tune with 21st-century sensibilities, but it’s still remarkable for a book published in 1986.

It all begins with Dr. Ethan Urquhart, Chief of Biology on one of his planet’s reproduction centers. Athos, the planet in question, is an all-male colony that has managed to set itself apart from much of the interstellar community. Athos was founded centuries ago, thanks to some seriously misogynistic ideas about women. Over time, the long-absent women have become mythologized demons who cause madness in men. All information that comes onto Athos from outside is scrubbed of all references to women.

All partnerships on Athos, romantic or otherwise, are necessarily homosexual. It’s not made into an upfront issue but is rather quietly accepted as the norm. The men of Athos must also take up what 21st-century human cultures deem “feminine” jobs, such as childcare.

The people of Athos reproduce through “uterine replicator technology” based on ovarian tissue cultures. That works well enough until the latest shipment turns out to be useless cell cultures. Ethan is sent out to get to the bottom of the disastrous shipment. Along the way, he is forced to confront his misogynistic views when he meets actual women.

Ethan of Athos is an interesting take on the sci-fi trope of a single-gender world. Plus, between all of the gender politics, it’s also a smart, witty take on a spy novel. Author Lois McMaster Bujold would continue with these themes in the rest of her Vorkosigan Saga series.