The New Lens of Normality: An Exploration of Queer Representation in Fairytales

Abstract

This project looks at how the fairy-tales we hear as children normalize certain identities in our society, and how they ostracize others. In this project, my purpose is to understand how incorporating queer narratives into fairy-tales normalizes queer identities alongside those that are already accepted. In recent years, fairy-tales have been returning in popularity within mainstream culture, but these stories continue to be presented within the traditional framework of white, heteronormative, Christian, and gender conforming. However, not every child, or consumer of this material, can identify themselves within these narrow definitions of “traditional.” Nevertheless, the importance of positive representation of identity has been researched heavily for years, and the need for this representation in the life of a child is important for the development of self-esteem. By seeing that all identities are valid instead of just one, children are able to feel normal and safe within the world, and can better understand and appreciate those who are different from them. This project takes traditional fairy-tales and performs queered versions of them. In queering fairy-tales this work allows room for others to feel safe, welcome, valid, and normal. The expected result for this project is that the fairy-tale will provide viewers with a different outlook on what “normal” is and how easily we can incorporate new ideas of normal. The goal for this project is that the stories will be shared so that queer individuals who feel marginalized and outside of the norm will see representation of their identity. Ideally versions of the stories that this research produces will be incorporated into the stories that we tell the future children so that they can live in a world with a new and more accepting idea of what is considered normal.