Polish Journal for American Studies

PJAS 18-8

Richard D. Reitsma
A Queer Romance, Queering the National Romance: LatinX Narratives of Belonging
from The Squatter and the Don to Red, White, and Royal Blue

Polish Journal for American Studies, vol. 18 (2024), pp. 103-120

Abstract: This paper is a preliminary exploration of LatinX literary, cinematic, and television narratives which attempt to situate LatinX persons in the national discourse of “America” through romance tropes. These narratives, often veering towards fantasias, use love between opposing forces (class, race/ethnicity, nations) as an allegory for a better nation. They imagine a utopian vision of America that heals the oft-ignored rifts tearing at the fabric of the nation.

Keywords: national romance, queer, LatinX, colonialism/imperialism, racism, reconciliation.

DOI: 10.7311/PJAS.18/2024.08

Full Article