See also: Homoerotic literature in ancient Rome The ancient Greeks, in particular, explored the theme on a variety of different levels in such works as Plato's Symposium. Themes of love between individuals of the same gender are found in a variety of ancient texts throughout the world. In contexts where homosexuality has been perceived negatively, LGBT literature may also document the psychological stresses and alienation suffered by those experiencing prejudice, legal discrimination, AIDS, self-loathing, bullying, violence, religious condemnation, denial, suicide, persecution, and other such obstacles.
LGBT individuals have often turned to literature as a source of validation, understanding, and beautification of same-sex attraction. Because the social acceptance of homosexuality has varied in many world cultures throughout history, LGBT literature has covered a vast array of themes and concepts.
