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Title "THE RECONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL IDENTITY OF TRANSGENDERS IN THE SELECTED SOUTH ASIAN COMIC FICTION"

Author(s) Rabia Batool

Abstract Title: The Reconstruction Of Social Identity Of Transgenders In The Selected South Asian Comic Fiction The undertaken study scrutinizes the two comic fictional series, Basila and the Street Crew (2020) and Transgender Persons in Science mini-series (2016), written and illustrated by Pakistani and Indian writers, respectively. The primary focus of this dissertation remains on the representation of transgender characters and their emergence in new social roles. It argues that the positive portrayal of transgender bodies in selected South Asian comic fictional works dismantles their traditional image in fiction by reconstructing their new impression and new social identity. The exploration of diversity and newness in their representation is associated with their performative roles and their active participation in social works. Transgender characters are defying stereotypical gender norms, gender behaviors, and gender expectations through their active creation and assertion of their identity. This nuanced and diverse portrayal is achieved through their physical appearances, manners, and their interaction with society through their social roles. The analysis is carried out in light of the key tenets of Performativity theory posited by Judith Butler along with Stryker’s idea of Transgender Performativity in relation to Erving Goffman’s theory of Impression Management. Drawing on the constructive nature of gender identity and impression management, the social identity of transgenders will be debated that how their gender identity, which is a social construct, is usually associated with lower social categories and the impression of their identities can be managed through various mechanisms. The research employs Kress and Van Leeuwen’s multimodal method of analysis to study the selected works by focusing on the scrutiny of texts and illustrations. The careful examination of primary sources of the study provides support to the main argument that these texts have the potential of subversion against the misrepresentation of transgenders and pave the way for changing public perception of them. Performativity, in its various manifestations, can be explored as a reliable strategic mode of resistance employed by other subaltern communities portrayed in the realm of SA comic fiction.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-04-11

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