A question that has been raised time and again is whether literature can play a role in normalizing queerness among children without reducing it to moral instruction. Queerness, which refers to a range of non-heterosexual identities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex, has been regarded as an abnormality in society for centuries. In recent times, however, there have been efforts to destigmatize this identity through education, media representation, and activism. One way of achieving this goal is through literature that depicts queer characters in their natural settings, allowing young readers to see them as ordinary people with diverse experiences.
The idea behind such a strategy is to present queer individuals as normalized rather than abnormal, thereby dispelling stereotypes and promoting acceptance.
Critics argue that reducing queerness to morality may lead to its over-simplification, whereby it becomes merely about right or wrong behavior rather than celebrating diversity. This argument is valid since introducing queerness into children's literature often involves teaching them about sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationships. Such topics are more complicated than what books alone can address, requiring conversations between adults and children, especially those who are just learning about themselves and others around them.
To avoid oversimplifying queerness, authors should be careful not to create binary categories based on gender roles or sexual orientation, instead focusing on the unique aspects of each character.
In "The Joy Luck Club," Amy Tan presents a lesbian couple whose relationship is not defined by their sexual preferences but their shared love for one another. Similarly, "A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo" offers insight into same-sex relationships without being didactic. These books allow children to explore different identities while still learning the basics of personal responsibility and interpersonal communication.
Though literature plays an important role in destigmatizing queerness among children, it must do so without reducing it to moral instruction. Instead, authors need to focus on creating complex characters whose stories reflect the richness of non-heterosexual identities without relying on cliches. By doing this, they can help normalize queerness as a natural part of society while still acknowledging its challenges and complexities.
Can literature for children normalize queerness without reducing it to moral instruction?
Although some works of literature may have been written with the intention to introduce young readers to LGBTQ+ themes, there is currently no evidence that they are effective at normalizing these experiences. Queer identities are often framed as morally suspect, while heteronormativity and cisnormativity remain the default in both media and society. Nevertheless, more inclusive stories can help promote understanding and acceptance among young people.