Complexities of the Underrecognized: Conceptualizing Erasure and Exposure in Queer Caribbean Narratives

<p>Queer is not explicitly about homosexuality, it is questioning orientations, identity, and the binary. This work aims to explore the multivalence of erasure and exposure in queer Caribbean narratives, which deconstructs or reconstructs stereotypes, sexuality, and identity. <em>Erasure</em> is defined as the exclusion or suppression of a member of the LGBTQ+ community in history and the present time due to differences in their gender orientation, sexuality, and sexual preference. <em>Exposure</em> allows these suppressed voices to be lifted and rejoiced through inclusivity and awareness. Colonization erased gender diversity in the Caribbean, instilling their Christianity and heteronormative beliefs. Colonization did not only erase queerness, but it also established gender inequality and discrimination. The ideological boundaries on queerness and gender are placed in relation to power, which then puts in place queerphobia and gender inequality. This thesis will read the works of Jamaica Kincaid, Rita Indiana, Marlon James, Bernardine Evaristo and Francesca Ekwuyasi – whose stories have captivated the lives of the underrecognized and reveals how queer narratives are shifting as Caribbean society progresses and assist in answering what is the queer narrative for Caribbean folx.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Saladin, Noemi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Robert Higney
• Kedon Willis

• Queer theory
• Caribbean literature
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
• Other English Language and Literature
• Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Queer Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1224

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:cc_etds_theses-2235