GOOD INTENTIONS:OTHERING LGBTQ LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS IN THE SLOVENIAN LITERARY SYSTEM

Abstract

The article looks at the position of LGBTQ literature for children and young adults in the Slovenian literary system. In particular, it attempts to demonstrate thatLGBTQ texts are often written, understood and didacticized with (implicit)reference todifference, empathy, acceptance and otherness. It analyses literary and critical texts with a focus on the apparently well-meaning processes of othering found at the levels of plot, character, writers’ didactic interference, critical reception and publishing. These processesinfluence how the members of the in-group perceive the members of the out-group(both of whom can be readersand writers)andhow each see themselves. Notonly do they reflect,buttheyalsohelp shape reality and impact on the waysindividuals are treated in society.Therefore, thecriteriaof literariness, though essential, arenot absolute, and all agents in the children’s and young adult literary system should take account ofthe human/children’srightto inclusion