What if your PhD was in fanfiction? (Spoiler: our guest actually did that.)
In this episode, Nikki & Meg are joined by scholar and fandom queen Dr. Katie Freund to talk about the queer roots of fandom, transformative works, and the power of rewriting stories that didn’t get it right the first time.
From slash fic to spite fic, they explore how fandom creates space for identity, reclaims representation, and gives the middle finger to canon when necessary.
Listen in for:
The queer-coded history of early fan communities
Why fanfiction is often more inclusive than traditional media
Canon vs. Fanon, and how queer stories survive bad endings
The joy of seeing yourself when no one else puts you on the page
(Yes, we talk about Supernatural. No, we do not apologize.)
Books & Media We Mention:
Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)
Murderbot (tv show)
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Supernatural
Gundam Wing
The 100
Harry Potter
Stargate SG-1 & Atlantis
Hit the Floor
The Boys
Sense8
Orange Is the New Black
Fast & Furious franchise
Xena: Warrior Princess
AO3, LiveJournal, Fanfiction.net
Podcast: It’s a Thing
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