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a peer-reviewed quarterly journal on literature
E-ISSN 2457-0265
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Scholarly Article
Kunal Kumar Halder
Masculinity in Conflict: Queer Latino Identity and Ethnic Belonging in Charles Rice-González’s Chulito
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages:
65-71
Keywords:
masculinity, sexuality, ethnicity, Latino identity, queer, intersectionality, young adult literature
doi:
Abstract
Charles Rice-González’s Chulito (2011) destabilises traditional masculine stereotypes by exploring ethnicity, sexuality, and spatial identity. The novel centres around a teen from the Bronx who struggles with the cultural expectations of Latino masculinity that often marginalise queerness. The novel emphasises the protagonist’s need for authentic self-expression, which comes into conflict with heteronormative expectations, especially those rooted in spaces shaped by ethnic identity. Racial exclusion is seen in gay spaces, while Latino communities continue to often display deep-seated homophobic attitudes. Chulito’s transformation from internalised denial to bold resistance reflects the psychological and societal pressures masculinity norms place on queer Latino adolescents. This study contributes meaningfully to the discourse on intersectionality within queer ethnic young adult literature.
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About the Author(s)
Mr. Kunal Kumar Halder is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Bangabasi Morning College, Sealdah. He obtained his Master’s degree in English Literature from Presidency College (then affiliated with the University of Calcutta). His research interests include gender studies, partition literature, posthumanism and children’s literature. He has published scholarly articles in various academic journals and actively participated in and presented his research papers at various national as well as international conferences. Beyond academia, he has a deep appreciation for music, poetry, and travel. He can be contacted at bmcengkkh2021@gmail.com
