The Gender Transcending project by The Folklore Centre has been supported by a grant from CultureDale.

4. Beasts, Monsters and Fairytales

In the fourth workshop, we will expand on the theme of metamorphosis by delving into the concepts of "beasts" and "monsters" in society. Drawing on theories from selected works such as Marina Warner’s The Beast and the Blonde and No Go the Bogeyman, we will examine the queering of protagonists and antagonists, as well as heroes and villains. This exploration will reveal how these binary tropes in narratives both reflect and propagate societal narratives.

Warner’s analysis of how monsters and beasts are portrayed in literature and folklore provides a rich foundation for understanding the complex interplay between otherness and societal norms. By queering these narratives, we challenge traditional interpretations and open up new perspectives on identity and transformation.

This session will encourage participants to critically engage with the roles of heroes and villains, questioning how these characters are constructed and what they signify in terms of social values and biases. We will explore how queer identities can be represented within these traditional roles, offering alternative viewpoints that challenge conventional binary distinctions.

Furthermore, we will focus on the queering of fairy tales. Fairy tales have long been a vehicle for conveying cultural values and norms, often through simplistic and binary characterisations. By reimagining these narratives through a queer lens, we can uncover hidden layers of meaning and subvert traditional messages.

This workshop will provide a platform for participants to reinterpret classic fairy tales, transforming them into stories that reflect diverse identities and experiences. This creative process will not only deepen their understanding of folklore but also empower them to create inclusive and representative narratives.

The idea of queering fairy tales will carry over into the fifth session, where we will further explore how these reimagined stories can challenge and reshape cultural heritage. By linking heritage and folklore with contemporary queer perspectives, we aim to create a richer, more inclusive tapestry of stories that celebrate diversity and transformation.

Through this exploration, participants will gain insights into the power of narrative in shaping societal perceptions and will be inspired to contribute their own voices to the evolving landscape of folklore. This session will highlight the importance of reinterpreting traditional stories to reflect the realities and values of modern queer communities, ensuring that heritage remains dynamic and inclusive.

The Folklore Centre, 65 Halifax Rd, Todmorden OL14 5BB, UK

Book your FREE place at the link below.