- March 10, 2022
As Nikoo Sarraf and Jennifer Chen from McGill University's .txtlab write in their introduction to their 2021 report, queer fans: the difference that queer fanfiction makes, "fanfiction is a powerful and transformative form of writing that provides a safe space for youth to explore their gender and sexuality, knowing that they are part of a larger community." Sarraf and Chen will join Tech Forum to share insights from their research: revealing the stylistic qualities of queer fanfiction that allow readers to form strong attachments with the material and showing how queer fanfiction authors approach content from a place of emotional vulnerability, explore taboo topics, and offer character-focused storytelling. By comparing queer fanfic with books published in the mainstream, Sarraf and Chen will highlight how fanfiction normalizes intimacy and emotional vulnerability for sexual and gender minority youth.