ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Critiquing Heteronormativity in Queer Young Adult Fiction of Casey McQuiston’s Red White & Royal Blue

Abstract Fictional works are a great way to raise awareness in society. They allow people to connect with different aspects of life, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, family members, and friends. American author Casey McQuiston’s young adult romance novel Red, White & Royal Blue (2019) is well known for representing same sex love in elite society. The story of the novel Red, White & Royal Blue revolves around Alex Claremont Diaz, the son of the first Female President of the United States who is in a same-sex relationship with Prince Henry of Wales. The plot is about the so-called enemies turning into lovers, the blooming romance between these two famous and powerful public figures, and the difficulties of the same-sex relationship they faced and overcame along with Political and Royal matters. Homosexuality is a matter of convenience to addresses issues such as coming out, complexities of acceptance, hiding sexual orientation, and family, and encouraging queer individuals to be brave, proud and accept themselves. The references mentioned above explore the issues of identity, sexual orientation, self-discovery, coming to terms with them, family, friends and homophobia. They also challenge traditional gender roles and address heterosexual normativity, which legitimizes itself by subjugating and othering peoples of non-heteronormative sexuality. Keywords: Identity, heteronormativity, sexuality exploration, self-discovery, acceptance, young adult, fictional.