Crusade for Identity: An Exploration of Space Among Gender, Diversity and Inequality in Anna-Marie McLemore’s When the Moon Was Ours and Blanca and Roja

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to comprehend the highly polymorphic notion of identity in the works of Anna Marie McLemore, a Mexican American writer. A detailed inspection of his works indicates that the concept of ‘identity disintegration’ is a concern in virtually all of them. This research aims to demonstrate identity development as a process rather than a distinct result of the struggle. Identity development, as an ever-changing process, provides us with new avenues for investigating subjectivity. Using a close reading of the selected texts, this research demonstrates that identity disintegration is an ongoing process that can create new understandings and possibilities. Through these processes and subsequent learning to survive in postmodern society, individuals can create their subjective identities. This article uses When the Moon Was Ours and Blanca and Roja to relate young adult literature to magical realist canonical works, notably analysing how the texts use magical realism to examine trans bodies. The genre, magical realism is typically characterized by fluidity and intangibility, which explores gender and sexuality in the select texts, helping readers grapple with issues of identity and representation. Similarly, McLemore’s use of Latinx traditions allows young readers to engage in intersectional debates about magical realism, trans bodies and Latinx culture. Through the retelling, McLemore can present nuanced arguments about trans bodies and the Latinx culture that often rejects them which in turn inspires the young readers to explore with an open mind.