Renault’s book isn’t sympathetic either, but they’re bisexuals. Both the fictional characters and Mary’s irl love. Apparently these self inserts fooled around with their share of men. And the in-book male is an awful cad. Her bisexuality would explain why she prefers her men gay and likes writing about them.
I read The King Must Die and that was a good straight Theseus (legend and sexuality) that I recommend. The Friendly Young Ladies isn’t a great read though