Thank you!

It isn’t long after one begins studying Gothic literature that you encounter important but problematic texts, often produced by great writers who also did horrible things. Beckford definitely belongs (along with Byron) in the category of authors who should be read and appreciated, but never idolized. Beckford happened to be gay, and he also happened to be a horrible person. I believe it’s important to understand and remember his sexuality when you read “Vathek”, for example. But one doesn’t need to condone his vile behavior to recognize the contribution he made to Gothic literature (and through it to modern horror and fantasy).

Sade hated being called a Gothic writer. I am among the people who classify “Justine” as a Gothic novel, however. It’s got a long-suffering orphan heroine, brutal bandits, mad doctors, depraved monks, and dark dungeons. It’s influence on later Gothics is also undeniable. Of course, Sade was quick to point out that he was satirizing all those literary conventions for a serious philosophical point. Nonetheless, its undeniable that “Justine” was an important influence on later Gothics. Obviously, we have the same problem with Sade as with Beckford.

As for Lewis, he wasn’t included because I didn’t personally think there was enough evidence that he was LGBT. It’s still possible that he was, of course.

Does the Marquis de Sade count as a Gothic author?

As for Beckford, sadly, he might not be a name you’d like to put prominently on a Pride flag. While he was apparently bisexual, he also sexually victimized at least one young boy (the 5-year-old son of his mistress Louisa Pitt, who apparently was enthusiastically in on it).