Gender Identity in the novel "Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender. Finding Comfort in Labeling

Elaboration , 2022 , 12 Pages , Grade: 2

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

Kacen Callender’s novel “Felix Ever After” pictures the uncertainty of a teenager labeling himself as a demiboy. With the guidance of a reading of the novel, this paper argues that gender labeling enables young adults of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel more comfortable in their own identity through friendships. To illustrate this, it will focus on the novel “Felix Ever After” in which the transgender protagonist discovers the term and labels himself as a demiboy after struggling through the entire story.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• THE REASSURANCE OF LABELING
• CONCLUSION
• WORK CITED

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper examines the role of gender labeling in helping young adults in the LGBTQIA+ community feel comfortable with their identity, using the novel *Felix Ever After* as a case study. It argues that finding the right label, even if it's complex and evolving, can be a source of validation and comfort, especially when supported by a strong network of friends.

• The importance of gender labeling for LGBTQIA+ individuals
• The impact of supportive friendships on coming out and self-acceptance
• The challenges of navigating a diverse and evolving landscape of gender identities
• The role of literature in providing relatable experiences and promoting understanding
• The complexities of finding one's place within a spectrum of gender identities

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of gender fluidity and its increasing prevalence in society. It highlights the challenges of assigning labels to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community and emphasizes the importance of supporting and understanding their evolving identities. The chapter focuses on the novel *Felix Ever After* by Kacen Callender, where the protagonist, Felix, navigates his own gender identity journey.
• The Reassurance of Labeling: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining gender, sexuality, and transgender identities. It explores various terms like gender, sex, transgender, and demiboy and discusses the significance of labels in offering a sense of belonging and understanding for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. The chapter also examines the role of friends in providing emotional support and validation during this process, highlighting the importance of finding a supportive network.

Keywords

This paper focuses on the key concepts of gender labeling, queer identity, friendship, and the impact of supportive relationships on self-acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community. Key terms include gender-labeling, queer, gender-based, friendship, demiboy, gender identity, and transgender.

• College: University of Innsbruck
• Grade: 2
• Author: Anonym (Author)
• Publication Year: 2022
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V1244164
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346678744
• ISBN (Book): 9783346678751
• Language: English
• Tags: gender, identity, felix, ever, after, kacen, callender, finding, comfort, labeling