“Gays in Space!” a Qualitative Investigation of Youth Queer Narrative Receptio
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View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ASU Digital Repository Identity Spectrums, Analytic Adolescents, and “Gays in Space!” A Qualitative Investigation of Youth Queer Narrative Reception by Andrew Waldron A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Approved March 2018 by the Graduate Supervisory Committee: Stephani Etheridge Woodson, Co-Chair Kristin Hunt, Co-Chair Johnny Saldaña Erika Hughes ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY May 2018 ABSTRACT This research study examines the interaction between youth queer narratives and young people through examining my core research question, How do young people engage, interpret, and respond to queer narratives? Applying a feminist narrative analysis to examine the qualitative data, I propose a methodological research shift where the voices of youth are valued as content experts; an artistic shift that moves content-creation away from a top down traditional media model and towards a youth-centered new media approach for art making; an aesthetic shift away from over-used stereotypes, tropes, and stale representations and instead innovate to represent intersectional, spectrum-based diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. This qualitative research study utilizes questionnaires, focus groups, and case study interviews, to engage adolescent perceptions of queer narratives. The youth, ranging in ages from 15 to 18 years old and living in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, explore and examine LGBTQ+ themes, characters, plots in traditional and new media. My dissertation examines youth interactions with queer narratives through three chapters. These address themes of: character, identity, and representation; plot and the search for accuracy; and the symbiotic exchange between narrative and community. Throughout the dissertation, young people analyze narratives, reflect on their own lives, and envision the future of youth queer narrative. The youth describe a move away from traditional media and towards new media platforms with user-created content, social network interaction, and the sharing of common experiences with peers. Finally, I i examine the implications of both the research findings and the methodology on the future of youth-engaged qualitative research, as well as the performing arts. ii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate my work on this dissertation: To my mom, who inspired a love of learning, reading, and helping others To my dad, who taught me to never give up on my dreams and goals despite the challenges that get in my way To my amazing committee, Stephani Etheridge Woodson, Kristin Hunt, Erika Hughes, and Johnny Saldaña, for patiently and bravely guiding me through this research journey and for challenging me to re- examine…everything To Dr. Tiffany Trent, Dr. Joseph Schoenfelder, Dr. Megan DeRoover, and Dr. Elizabeth Schildkret for being amazing peers, intellectual combatants, thoughtful counselors, and supportive partners during our collective PhD journey To David Bratt, who inspired me as an undergraduate student to explore the world of theatre and to shine brightly against the haters To my friends, family, and classmates for their patience, support and love during this journey iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ..............................................................................................................x CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1 Research Question ............................................................................................ 2 Entering the Discourse Community .................................................................. 3 Defining Youth ..................................................................................... 3 Defining Queer...................................................................................... 6 Defining Narrative ................................................................................ 9 Media Context ................................................................................................. 11 Previous Research ........................................................................................... 13 Narrative Analysis Approach .......................................................................... 16 After-Queer Approach .................................................................................... 17 Participants ...................................................................................................... 19 Methodology: The Study ................................................................................ 22 Questionnaires..................................................................................... 22 Focus Groups ...................................................................................... 23 Case Studies ........................................................................................ 24 Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 24 iv CHAPTER Page Researcher Positionality.................................................................................. 26 Chapter Preview .............................................................................................. 27 2 CHARACTER REPRESENTATION AND YOUTH IDENTITY ..................... 28 Defining Media ............................................................................................... 28 Defining Identity ............................................................................................. 29 Intersectionality................................................................................... 30 Disidentification .............................................................................................. 31 Collected Queer Narrative Sources ................................................................. 32 Narratives Affect Identity ............................................................................... 35 Theme #1: Self-Awareness and Self Recognition .......................................... 37 Self-Recognition and Identity ............................................................. 38 Self-Awareness, Self-Recognition, and Representation in Action ..... 40 Theme #2: Narratives Reflect (or Do Not Reflect) the Viewer ..................... 43 Theme #3: Narratives Reinforce Stereotypes ................................................ 46 Feminine Gay Men ............................................................................. 50 Masculine Lesbian Women ................................................................. 52 Comic Trans-Individuals .................................................................... 53 i CHAPTER Page Oversexualization ............................................................................... 54 Theme #4: Narratives Frame the Possibilities: Gays in Space ...................... 56 Youth Perceptions of Adult Choices: “What’s your motivation?” ................. 61 Transforming Traditional Media ..................................................................... 65 Breaking the Mold .............................................................................. 65 Queer Inclusivity ................................................................................. 66 Intersectional Humans ........................................................................ 69 Chapter Conclusions ....................................................................................... 69 3 PLOT ACCURACY AND FINDING INFORMATION .................................... 71 Narrative as Social Construction .................................................................... 72 Normativity ..................................................................................................... 73 Traditional Media............................................................................................ 76 Seeking Accuracy ............................................................................... 77 Accurate Exemplar: The Fosters ........................................................ 79 Traditional Media Tropes ............................................................................... 80 Lesbian Death ..................................................................................... 81 Gay Best Friend .................................................................................. 82 Bullying............................................................................................... 83 i CHAPTER Page AIDS Victim ....................................................................................... 85 Tropes Effects on Youth ................................................................................. 85 Transforming Traditional Media ..................................................................... 86 Queer Artists Wanted .......................................................................... 87 The Normal Queer .............................................................................. 88 Meaningful Companionship................................................................ 90 We’ve Got 99 Problems and Being Queer Ain’t One ......................... 92 Consequences ...................................................................................... 94 Social Change ....................................................................................