Sep 29
Queer Readings of ‘Lord of the Rings’ Spark Renewed Conversations in LGBTQ+ Fandom
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A Queer Legacy in Middle-earth
Nearly seventy years since J.R.R. Tolkien’s original publication, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature and pop culture, with its intricate world-building, memorable characters, and sweeping themes of friendship and courage. For LGBTQ+ audiences, the series has long offered a subtextual haven, with the relationships between characters—most notably Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins—standing out as rich ground for queer interpretation and connection .
The tenderness between male characters, free from the constraints of hyper-masculinity often found in mainstream action narratives, has drawn queer readers and viewers into Tolkien’s world. Frodo’s empathetic, gentle spirit and Sam’s unwavering devotion defy stereotypes of action heroes, offering a portrayal where vulnerability and affection are strengths, not weaknesses .
Scholarly Engagement and Fan Activism
The Tolkien Society, a global organization dedicated to the study and appreciation of Tolkien’s work, has played a pivotal role in legitimizing queer readings through its annual conferences. In 2021, the Society hosted a controversial set of talks examining queerness in Tolkien’s legendarium, including a presentation titled “Gondor in Transition: A Brief Introduction to Transgender Realities in The Lord of the Rings.” Led by non-binary scholar Cordeliah Lodgson, the talk explored the theme of transition, using Gondor’s shifting political and cultural landscape as an allegory for transgender experiences .
This scholarly engagement did not go unnoticed or unchallenged. Right-wing commentators criticized these interpretations, arguing that they impose contemporary identities on a classic text. However, supporters and LGBTQ+ fans have praised the Society for fostering conversations that allow marginalized readers to see themselves reflected in beloved stories .
Fan Culture and Representation
Online communities have amplified the queer readings of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, with fan fiction, art, and social media discussions centering on the affection between Frodo and Sam, and speculating about other characters such as Legolas and Gimli. These platforms provide space for LGBTQ+ fans to reinterpret Middle-earth in ways that affirm their identities, even as mainstream adaptations continue to fall short on explicit representation .
Despite the absence of canonically queer characters in the films and Amazon Prime’s ‘Rings of Power’ series, fans have found meaningful representation in the emotional intimacy and mutual support portrayed among the Fellowship. The mere act of celebrating vulnerability and friendship among men is a radical departure from traditional narratives, making ‘The Lord of the Rings’ a “queer mecca” for many .
Challenges and the Path Forward
While fan and academic communities have made strides in queer visibility within Middle-earth, mainstream adaptations have yet to fully embrace LGBTQ+ representation. Critics of Amazon’s ‘Rings of Power’ note that, despite increased racial diversity, overtly queer characters remain absent. Nevertheless, the tradition of reading between the lines—interpreting weighted glances, emotional bonds, and moments of care—continues to empower audiences who rarely see themselves in blockbuster fantasy .
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is emblematic of a larger struggle for visibility and inclusion. Its themes of chosen family, resilience, and defiance of rigid norms resonate strongly with queer audiences. As academic discourse and fan activism persist, Middle-earth remains a space for imagining worlds where everyone—regardless of gender or sexuality—can embark on heroic journeys and forge bonds that defy convention.
