Representation of Genderqueer Identities in Fictional and Nonfiction Narratives

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of genderqueer identities in The Honeys by Ryan La Sala and Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe. These works focus on genderqueer people’s struggles in everyday life. The novels focus on family related problems, self-acceptance, pronoun change and the use of gender inclusive language in fictional and autobiographical narratives. Since one’s sexual or gender identity is often not discussed at home or at school, the first- time young people encounter LGBTQ identities are in popular culture. These identities are represented in novels, comics, TV series or films. It is necessary that these young people see good representation of identities and have the opportunity to find the language that is inclusive to their gender identity.