Does 'Carry On' Have LGBTQ+ Representation?

Absolutely! 'Carry On' is packed with LGBTQ+ representation, and it's one of the reasons I adore this book. The protagonist, Simon Snow, is bisexual, and his relationship with Baz, a gay vampire, is central to the story. Their romance is intense, heartfelt, and beautifully written, breaking away from the usual clichés. The book also features other queer characters, like Penny, who is pansexual, adding layers of diversity. Rainbow Rowell doesn’t just include these identities as side notes—they’re woven into the plot and character development, making the world feel authentic and inclusive.

The way 'Carry On' handles LGBTQ+ themes is refreshing. It normalizes queer relationships without reducing them to tropes or trauma narratives. Simon and Baz’s love story is messy, passionate, and deeply human, which resonates with readers. The magical setting doesn’t overshadow their identities; instead, it amplifies their struggles and triumphs. For anyone looking for fantasy with meaningful queer rep, this book is a gem. It’s proof that stories about magic can also be stories about real, diverse love.

As someone who’s read 'Carry On' multiple times, I can confirm its LGBTQ+ representation is both prominent and well-executed. Simon and Baz’s enemies-to-lovers arc is iconic—their chemistry crackles off the page, and their sexualities are explored with nuance. Baz’s vampirism parallels his experience as a gay character, adding depth to his identity. The book avoids tokenism; even secondary characters like Agatha have queer-coded moments. Rowell’s approach feels organic, not performative, which is why the rep resonates so deeply.

Yes, and it’s fantastic. Simon and Baz are one of my favorite queer couples in fiction. Their dynamic is electric, full of banter and yearning, and their identities aren’t treated as afterthoughts. 'Carry On' also casually includes other LGBTQ+ characters, like Penny, whose pansexuality is just part of who she is. The book’s magic system doesn’t erase queerness—instead, it embraces it, making the fantasy world feel more alive and relatable.

The LGBTQ+ rep in 'Carry On' is a highlight. Simon’s bisexuality and Baz’s gay identity are integral to their characters, not just checkboxes. Their romance is tender, fiery, and complicated—everything a great love story should be. Rowell writes queer joy and angst with equal skill, and the supporting cast adds even more diversity. It’s rare to find fantasy where queerness is this central and celebrated, and 'Carry On' nails it.

'Carry On' doesn’t just have LGBTQ+ representation—it thrives on it. Simon and Baz’s relationship is the heart of the story, and their queerness is inseparable from their personalities. The book treats their identities with respect and humor, avoiding stereotypes. Even smaller characters contribute to the queer-friendly atmosphere. If you want magic paired with genuine, unapologetic queer rep, this is your book.