Sorry, I Don’t Know a Justin! : A study of LGBTQIA+ Representation, Fan Interaction, and Identity in The Adventure Zone.

Sammanfattning: This thesis examines how queer identities are represented through characters in The Adventure Zone, a popular Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy comedy podcast that features unique fan contributions and deep involvement from the creators. Drawing on queer theory and theories of stereotypes and language, audience participation, and transmediation, this thesis argues that The Adventure Zone’s portrayal of queer identities both challenges dominant norms and stereotypes while also being shaped by them, and that listening to the podcast can create opportunities to discuss queer identities, LGBTQIA+ questions and the relationships between author and fans online in the Swedish EFL classroom. The findings indicate that the podcast tries to avoid but still falls into some stereotypical ideas even though it welcomes fan inclusion and representation. The character Taako is also found to be a good subject for discussions with students in terms of negotiating ideas of queerness and identity formation in accordance with the school’s democratic mission of inclusivity and sexuality, consent and relationships outlined in the new curriculum.