Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

English

First Advisor

Bakary Diaby

Abstract

I work to expand the history of authenticity and suggest how queer gesture can be found in the mundane, seemingly ordinary moments within the self or relationally. Authentic, gendered expression, particularly within and from the transgender body, serves as a paramount place of gestural self-expression. In Orlando: A Biography, Orlando gestures towards and posits herself within a temporal horizon built by her gestures of authenticity, found within her interior life. If she felt more feminine or desired a categorically feminized experience, she would express herself accordingly, whether that be through specific dialogic choices, or through her clothing. But as Muñoz suggested, authentic gestures occur relationally. So, beyond apparently social constraints to authenticity, internal prevention plays a role as well. Quentin Compson, for example, finds himself entirely absorbed by chrononormativity, found through his familial and other anxieties. Shreve understands Quentin’s innate needs that exist behind these pervasive anxieties, with his desire to conform among them. Shreve provides support that both alleviates Quentin’s mental anguish and allows his authentic selfhood to peak through. Quentin reciprocates Shreve’s gestural movements, through acute physical awareness and moments of emotional intimacy. Their reciprocal queer gestures, albeit anxious, establish a temporal horizon which is entirely separate from Quentin’s harsh reality.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

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