RNA forms LGBTQ+ Rainbow Chapter

The Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) has formed a Rainbow Chapter for members who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are writing novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Other interested members are also welcome to join.

The move is part of the organisation's goal to increase diversity in romantic and relationship-driven fiction, the RNA said.

Julie Cohen (pictured), current vice president of the RNA, founded the Chapter. She said: "Love is the most profound experience in any person’s life and we want our members to write about the full range of human emotion, regardless of gender or sexuality. We’d like to encourage authors who write LGBTQ+ fiction to consider joining the RNA if they haven’t already, and to encourage publishers and authors to enter LGBTQ+ novels in our Romantic Novel Awards.’

The RNA was founded in 1960 to celebrate the excellence and diversity of the genre of romantic fiction and provide a supportive professional network for writers. The founding of its Rainbow Chapter is said to be part of a range of initiatives across the RNA to become more inclusive, with further announcements to come at the Association's November meeting.