Abstract

The Internet provides a space where artists may produce queer narratives without censorship, so these representations often offer more diversity and complexity than the negative, stereotype-based queer representations that are more common in more mass-consumed fiction. This paper examines how the online fiction podcast Welcome to Night Vale and the webcomic The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal represent their queer main characters, and how those storytelling forms and the Internet as a storytelling platform influence both queer and non-queer audiences alike. These interactive storytelling forms allow queer audiences to participate in creating their own narratives, and also work to establish supportive communities online, which is particularly important for queer youth. In addition to this, through these narratives and storytelling platforms, non-queer audiences may be able to relate to queer characters more easily, and thus understand queer experiences with more respect and consideration.

First Advisor

Alison Tracy Hale

Date of Completion

Spring 5-15-2014

Degree Type

Article

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