Assignment Task:
In 100-200 words, this post and the examples of queer representation in pop culture texts they discussed in their post. Can you think of other examples? How do their examples compare to those you shared in your post? My example was Heartstopper and watched Glee season2 episode 18 " Born This Way"
This week, I watched "Degrassi: My Body Is a Cage" , which focuses on Adam, a transgender teen trying to fit in at a new school while dealing with family and friends pressuring him to conform to gender norms. In "Media, Gender and Identity" (2008), David Gauntlett talks about how queer theory challenges the idea that gender and sexual identities are fixed. He points out that our sense of identity is shaped by culture and media, and queer theory fights against the usual male/female and gay/straight divides by highlighting how fluid identity and expression can be.
Degrassi shows this concept by illustrating how Adam's identity as a trans boy is often met with confusion and rejection, not because of who he truly is, but because society has such hard norms. One powerful scene is when Adam is forced to dress and act like "Gracie" to please his grandmother, which really highlights the emotional struggle of being pushed into a box that doesn't fit who you are. The show manages to present Adam's experience in a way that feels real and relatable, helping viewers empathize and understand gender diversity in a deeper way, which is what queer theory aims for.
A recent example in pop culture that is like "Degrassi's" representation is "Euphoria." The show features Jules, a trans girl whose identity is explored with depth and care. Like Adam, Jules battles societal expectations, but we also see her living her truth and navigating love, friendship, and self-acceptance. Both shows challenge old-school gender norms and give viewers a wider, more inclusive perspective on queer identities. Need Assignment Help?