Equality in Fantasy Fiction: A Queen’s Path to Justice and Leadership

Tags: LGBTQ+ fiction, equality, female leadership, fantasy novel, governance

My debut novel explores themes of equality—especially in terms of gender and the diversity of human experience. As an LGBTQ+ fiction set in a fictional kingdom with historical tones, the story was designed to reflect equality in a natural, grounded way. Though the setting is imaginative, I never intended to bypass the physical and social realities that come with gender in any time period.

The main characters are women, and I chose not to depict them as unrealistically strong or unbounded by physical limitations. In real life, women face unique challenges, especially in times and places where life is far from convenient. So how can we speak of equality in such a setting?

For me, equality means acknowledging differences while respecting them. It’s not about making everyone the same but about honoring both strength and vulnerability, and never using physical or social advantages to exploit others. True respect means kindness, restraint, and responsibility.

The Kingdom Where Respect and Reality Coexist

In this fictional world, people do not forget their roles or responsibilities. Power and privilege are not painted as evil, but rather as tools—useful only when managed with wisdom and humility. Leadership in this story is about sustainability, harmony, and learning, not domination or fame.

Each leader must overcome challenges, face resistance, and work toward lasting peace. The governance depicted here values long-term unity, not short-term victory.

Three Figures, Three Perspectives on Equality

The Queen: Steady and Thoughtful

The Queen represents a leader who governs with integrity and balance. She was not handed her power without expectations; she had to prove herself through thoughtful action. She works from the ground up, understanding both policies and people, and doesn’t hide behind palace walls.

Jinda: Humble and Selfless

Jinda, a noblewoman and daughter of a wealthy governor, never seeks power for herself. She embodies the value of self-sacrifice—not out of obligation, but from wisdom. She recognizes that not everything one can do should be done, especially if it harms the future. Her strength lies in restraint and understanding the past without repeating its mistakes.

The Former King: A Visionary of Opportunity

The former King (Anattavaraman) chose to build lasting change, not impose it. When his daughter was 14, he told her she would one day rule. At 18, he officially named her the Crown Princess, while allowing time for debate, planning, and acceptance from both court and people. When she turned 22, he abdicated the throne and passed the crown to her. This gradual transition shows how real leadership is nurtured, not demanded.