PETER’S SEARCH FOR GENDER IDENTITY REFLECTED IN KIM FU’S FOR TODAY I AM A BOY

Abstract

This study discusses the issue of gender identity in the novel For Today I Am A Boy written by Kim Fu in 2014. For Today I Am A Boy is a novel that tells the story of a confused boy, Peter, whose soul is trapped in a male’s body. This novel is interesting to discuss because this novel is based on the issues that are currently popular, namely transgender. This study aims to describe Peter’s process of searching for his gender identity and how he finds his gender identity. In analyzing Peter’s search for his gender identity, queer theories and gender performatifity are applied. In addition, this study is designed as descriptive qualitative study that applies queer criticism. The results of the analysis show that the main character’s search for gender identity is triggered by social pressure created by the community's stigma about binary opposition. Moving to a new city and trying to make changes to his appearance becomes strategies for Peter to find his identity. His new identity is presented in the form of appearance and use of female names. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the process of changing the identity of Peter's character offers a discourse about the struggle of transgender figures for recognition of their identity.

Keywords: gender identity, gender performatifity, transgender