The Dystopian Horror of Homosexuality

Fantastika Journal

This podcast is part of the LGBTQIA+ Fantastika Graphics Symposium.
Join the discussion on discord (https://discord.gg/yTJe8JsWcG) or on our zoom webinar on 20 Nov 2021. See fantastikajournal.com for details.

Background music by scottholmesmusic.com

Podcast by: Laura Mulcahy
The Dystopian Horror of Homosexuality:
The Progressing LGBTQIA+ Narrative in Battle Royale and Angels’ Border

This podcast focuses on representations of LGBTQIA+ students in two works of manga inspired by Koushun Takami’s dystopian horror novel, Battle Royale (1999).
The first part of this podcast focuses on the manga adaptation of the same name with a focus on the harmful stereotypes portrayed through Sho Tsukioka, the only openly gay student in the class. The podcast examines his portrayal as ‘predatory’ and the artistically exaggerated features of how effeminate he is, as well as the portrayal of his lifestyle as abhorrent. This podcast also examines how, despite his pride in his sexuality, the manga guarantees that if he does not die at the hands of his classmates, a footnote in his file indicates that he would be shot by a government official, indicating that LGBTQIA+ identities are not permitted any place in the dystopian world depicted.

This podcast then discusses of the depiction of a closeted lesbian student in Angels’ Border (2012) in a side story written by Takami. The podcast focuses on how her portrayal is less harmful and more nuanced, as well as how her internalised lesbophobia is informed by the country’s disdain for the LGBTQIA+ community. This podcast discusses on how her story enriches the tragedy and horror of her death in the original novel. The podcast ultimately aims to question if Angels’ Border indicates a progression on the depiction of LGBTQIA+ students in a dystopian society, or if Takami believes that LGBTQIA+ stories are only acceptable if one is ashamed of their identity.

About the Speaker: Laura Mulcahy (she/her) is a second year PhD student at University College Cork researching representations of trauma in the works of Stephen King. She has previously a first-class MA thesis on representations of trauma in Stephen King’s It.
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The views expressed in these podcasts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Fantastika Journal and its editorial board.
This podcast edited by Kerry Dodd