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1/ Why is the age gap trope so popular in WLW?
(random thoughts when I should be writing something else)
#lesfic
#Romance
#wlw
#agegap
(random thoughts when I should be writing something else)
#lesfic
#Romance
#wlw
#agegap
2/ Age gap romances are a popular trope but also a divisive one. Age difference is still a taboo and has that frisson of the forbidden – sexy for some but comes with the danger of abuse of position that’s understandably too uncomfortable for others
3/ That the older partner is more powerful and sometimes that power is reversed is exactly what is appealing to some and unappealing to others.
4/ It’s a common accusation that older authors are indulging in their yearning for a youthful partner in writing age gap romances, but especially in WLW, the older heroine is often the draw.
5/ A confident, experienced, independent woman is character that is not often written for the stereotypical male gaze and has a special appeal I think for WLW romances.
6/ Perhaps in a minority group where you may be the only queer person you know, you are more likely to look beyond your peers and age gap romances are more common in real life and another reason why it is reflected in literature.
7/ Especially appealing for me is that an age gap romance can be more tolerant of difference. When you come from a different generation you are more likely to have an open mind to the person your partner may be.
8/ There can be a poignant tenderness and understanding in this dynamic which I think is the biggest draw for me, and one I’ve explored a couple of times. In Finding Jessica Lambert the autistic younger movie star finds understanding from the older experienced Anna and vice versa
9/ Also in After Mrs Hamilton there is tenderness between and acceptance between Clo and Fran that neither could perhaps receive from their peers.
