DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/KZ1Z-0K61
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
SJ Sindu
Second Advisor
Jessica Hendry Nelson
Third Advisor
Gretchen Comba
Fourth Advisor
Mary Caton Lingold
Abstract
Two gay teen boys grapple with the pain of homophobia in their own ways, Russell by trying to pray away his inner Music Man and Burt by performing extreme masculinity as the youngest action hero of a secret agency whose mission is to save queer youth in danger. When Russell chooses to undergo conversion therapy and Burt fumbles his rescue attempt, the boys will have to interrogate their beliefs and values if they hope to save each other, ultimately learning that being who you are, not changing who you are, can make any heart sing and any hero soar.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2025