From Gender to Queer

Representation and Deconstruction of Gender Constructs in David Levithan’s Every Day (2012)

“…It is thus clear that Justin and Rhiannon's relationship conforms to the patriarchal construction of a genderappropriate heterosexual relationship. Palazzani [9] clarifies that the patriarchal conceptualization of females as subordinate to males can also make women subjugate their self-esteem to the "superior" male gender. Thus, Justin plays the dominant role in the relationship, while Rhiannon performs the submissive function of following in his footsteps and agreeing with him.…”

“…The phrase "being a girl" also implies "like a girl" and it indicates how society mocks men whose actions do not live up to mainstream gender expectations. According to Palazzani [9], patriarchal society is hierarchical and its human members occupy two positions: women are subordinate and men are dominant. This assertion is confirmed in the context of sports, which is a stereotypically male-dominated field, and where the hierarchy between men and women still clearly applies.…”

“…Those who do not conform to the heterosexual norm may be socially judged and found wanting in most cultures. Heterosexual relationships are deemed compulsory in most societies, and people thus feel obliged to be heterosexual [9] whatever their natural state in the gender spectrum.…”

“…Society still compels people, who may be innately LGBTQ in their orientations, to conform to the gender binary system. According to Palazzani [9], being inside the gender binary scheme and having a heterosexual relationship are still considered natural in most societies.…”

“…This research endeavor uses qualitative textual analysis as its methodology since David Levithan's novel Every Day (2012) [1] forms the primary data source of this study. The data obtained from this text are analyzed using Laura Palazzani's Gender in Philosophy and Law [9]. Some other previous critiques are also cited in the discussion section to bolster the analysis presented in this paper.…”