Heterotopia in Representations of Non-normative Genders and Sexualities in Thai Series of Line TV

Abstract

This study investigates representations of non-normative genders and sexualities in selected Thai series aired on Line TV, specifically: Make It Right: the Series, My Dream: the Series, Diary of Tootsies, and Gay OK Bangkok, categorised as Boys’ Love (BL) and queer series. Utilising Michel Foucault’s concept of heterotopia, the research examines how these series function as heterotopic spaces facilitating the construction, negotiation, and potential subversion of queer identities and prevailing power structures. Make It Right: the Series reconceptualises the coming-of-age narrative, depicting identity formation as an ongoing journey rather than a singular event. My Dream: the Series employs fantasy to envision identities liberated from restrictive societal norms. Diary of Tootsies engages queer linguistic strategies to reconstruct and affirm kathoey identities while simultaneously destabilising heteronormative ideologies. Gay OK Bangkok distinctively serves a didactic function, actively resisting and critiquing dominant social norms.

The analysis reveals that these portrayals reflect a tension between the transformative potential inherent in queer heterotopias and the reinforcement of prevailing heteronormative ideologies surrounding gender and sexuality. To elucidate this tension, the study introduces the term "liminal queer heterotopia," defined as an analytical framework for exploring transitional spaces wherein non-heteronormative identities navigate a continuum stretching from marginalisation to active subversion of dominant power structures. The liminal interplay between subversive potential and normative reinforcement within these series embodies the duality characteristic of heterotopias.

The study concludes that the portrayal of queer heterotopias in these series underscores the complexity of identity formation and power dynamics. This conceptualisation of liminality between potentiality and actuality provides fertile ground for future research into the intricate intersections of identity, representation, and power in heterotopic spaces.