Gender, sexuality and the quest for understanding in young adult fiction novels featuring transgender characters, using Rick Riordan’s Hammer of Thor and Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl.

Abstract

An exploration of LGBTQIA+ gender and identity, with emphasis on transgender issues, in Rick Riordan’s Hammer of Thor and Meredith Russo’s If I Was Your Girl. Using concepts of intersectionality, gender performativity and resistance consciousness, the text contextualizes these award-winning young adult fiction novels within the framework of the Norwegian curriculum and exploring some potential for classroom use with regards to LK20. This thesis aims to analyze majority/minority struggles within the novels in general, and the struggle for gender recognition, respect and understanding specifically. A fruitful comparison is drawn between the authors and their different backgrounds in terms of their different kinds of authentic portrayal and authorship. The readership of the novels is given special attention, specifically with regards to the potential for classroom learning and their role in the curriculum.