Loud, Proud, and All Around Hilarious: Queer Humor in Contemporary Graphic Novels as a Method of Interpersonal Affirmation and Awareness

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the prevalent humor in political, performative, and personal means of expression throughout American LGBTQ+ history, there is not yet an academic analysis on the overlap between queer theory and humor theory. In this article, I explore the ways in which LGBTQ+ writers use humorous techniques to highlight aspects of queerness to establish a theory of queer humor. I rely on three contemporary graphic narratives as a platform for humorous expression and for challenging social expectations, specifically in regards to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. Through these close readings, I find queer humor exposes cultural policings of gender performativity by promoting queer experiences over normative assumptions and building solidarity with the reader regardless of their identity. These methods encourage acknowledgments and accommodations of queer existence within a heterosexist society.