Write, Rewrite: a play highlighting how the fanfiction format and community help cultivate confidence in queer young adults

Abstract

This undergraduate honors thesis is an exploration of fan fiction and its connection to the queer community. I look at the recent history of treatment towards queer people, especially from religious zealots. Additionally, I investigate how the communities that flock around fan fiction are beneficial to anyone who joins, offering critical feedback and advice to writers on how to strengthen their stories. To illustrate the adaptability and interchanging nature of fanfiction, I wrote a one-act play titled Write, Rewrite and held a reader’s theatre style performance on March 15th, 2024. Finally, I received feedback from the audience and actors regarding the work.