In the art of drag, icons of masculinity and femininity are juxtaposed on one body, challenging heteronormativity. The goal of this project was to create a game that provided a safe space for players to negotiate their own identities of gender and sexuality through the framework provided by the game rules and affordances. The research behind this project challenges the criticisms of drag as purely gender representation, identifying drag as a signifier of the presence of the LGBTQ community. By iterating the design throughout the development process, I was able to create opportunities for players to reflect upon gender presentation and be in solidarity with one another. Conversations resulting from the play experience revealed the ability of games to provide a context for players to navigate complex understandings.

Creator

• De Anda, Michael A

Contributors

• Moriarty, Brian J.
• Sanbonmatsu, John
• Snyder, Britton

Degree

• MS

Unit

• Interactive Media and Game Development

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language

• English

Identifier

• etd-042513-160209

Keyword

• anda
• card
• drag
• transgender
• game
• michael
• ally
• de
• queen
• transsexual
• gay
• thesis
• lesbian
• bisexual

Advisor

• Moriarty, Brian J.

Committee

• Snyder, Britton
• Sanbonmatsu, John

Defense date

• 2013-04-24

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-25

Resource type

• Thesis

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-01-08