Transgender Identities in Children's Picture Books: A Critical Multimodal Discourse Analysis

master's thesis

• Author: Petra Radojčić
• Mentor: Marina Grubišić (mentor)
• Mentor: Anda Bukvić Pažin (mentor)
• Committee member: Anđel Starčević (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Marina Grubišić (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Anda Bukvić Pažin (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; (Department of English language and literature); Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2024-02-12, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: HUMANISTIC SCIENCES; Philology; Anglistics

Abstract

This study examines the representation of transgender characters and their identities in children’s picture books by employing critical multimodal discourse analysis. Seven picture books featuring transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming characters are analyzed, each focusing on the multifaceted experiences of being a transgender child and navigating pivotal moments such as coming out and transitioning. The qualitative analysis reveals two overarching themes central to these narratives: being different and being accepted. Both rely on using visual and verbal cues to compare transgender and cisgender characters. Transgender characters are initially depicted as individuals, deviating from societal norms. They are contrasted with cisgender characters to emphasize their inability to fit within the same group. However, usually later in the narrative, transgender characters experience moments of acceptance. Again compared to their cisgender counterparts, transgender characters no longer stand out but blend in. The analysis shows that these picture books effectively introduce readers to transgender individuals and their experiences while serving as powerful tools for promoting empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diverse gender identities.

• Keywords: picture books; transgender; gender identity; gender expression; critical multimodal discourse analysis
• Language: english
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:131:663604
• Study programme: Title: English Language and Literature (double major); specializations in: Linguistics, Literature and Culture, Translation, TEFL; Course: Linguistics; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: magistar/magistra engleskog jezika i književnosti (magistar/magistra engleskog jezika i književnosti)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-03-13 10:40:21