Not that many authors would even have to accept the pressure, though I expect some did. They'd just refuse and the agents would represent somebody else who didn't have those pesky gay characters. There are lots and lots and lots of aspiring writers and comparatively few agents and publishers.

I think Sherwood and Rachel are not just trying to raise consciousness, but to get people who would welcome gay characters to specifically say so, which seems like a step beyond, and, if anybody will do it, should improve the situation a great deal.

P.