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Dutch Publishers Challenge 'Bury Your Gays' Trope with New Lesbian Pulp Series
Velvet Publishers' Pulpature series, featuring novels "Ontkiemende liefde" and "Zij kwam voor hulp" by Renée van Marissing and Minke Douwesz respectively, challenges the 'bury your gays' trope by offering positive portrayals of lesbian relationships within a reclaimed lesbian pulp genre.
- What is the significance of the Pulpature series in challenging traditional portrayals of lesbians in literature?
- Velvet Publishers, a Dutch 'les-bi-queer' publishing house, launched the Pulpature series to challenge the 'bury your gays' trope and promote positive queer representation in literature. The series features two novels, "Ontkiemende liefde" by Renée van Marissing and "Zij kwam voor hulp" by Minke Douwesz, both established authors.
- What are the potential future implications of the Pulpature series for queer representation in literature and the evolution of the lesbian pulp genre?
- The success of the Pulpature series will depend on its ability to capture a broader audience while staying true to its goal of showcasing positive queer narratives. Future installments could further explore the campy potential within the genre, allowing for bolder, more experimental storytelling.
- How do the two novels in the Pulpature series, "Ontkiemende liefde" and "Zij kwam voor hulp," utilize and subvert the conventions of the lesbian pulp genre?
- The Pulpature series aims to reclaim the lesbian pulp genre, traditionally written for and consumed by men, often portraying negative stereotypes. These new novels aim to counter this by depicting joyful, affirming lesbian relationships while integrating the pulp format's conventions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the historical negativity surrounding lesbian representation in literature and the need for positive counter-narratives. This emphasis is not inherently biased, but it does shape the reader's understanding towards appreciating the Pulpature series' goal of presenting queer joy.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and academic, avoiding overtly loaded terms. However, the author uses descriptive language like "schreeuwerige blurb" (screaming blurb) and "suggestieve illustratie" (suggestive illustration) which, while accurate, might slightly influence the reader's perception of the books.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the "bury your gays" trope and the lack of positive queer representation in literature, potentially overlooking other forms of bias or representation within the lesbische pulp genre. While it mentions the existence of counter-examples like Wilde rozen, it doesn't delve into their content or impact. The analysis also primarily focuses on two specific books, limiting the scope of the discussion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the traditional lesbische pulp trope and the intended queer joy of the Pulpature series. It implies that these are mutually exclusive, when in reality, elements of both could potentially coexist within a single work.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on lesbian representation, which is its central theme. While it doesn't present gender bias in the traditional sense, it could be argued that its limited scope and focus on a specific sexuality might unintentionally neglect other facets of gender identity or representation within the broader context of literature.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the positive representation of lesbian, bisexual, and queer characters in literature, challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. The initiative aims to counter the historical trend of portraying queer characters negatively, often resulting in their death. The creation of the Pulpature series showcases queer joy and diverse experiences, contributing to more positive representation and challenging gender norms.