Mapping Queerlands: Meeting Children in Queerlands Using Narrative Practices

Abstract

Narrative practices use the metaphor ‘landscape of stories’ to understand identities. It assumes that our identities are constructed through stories we tell ourselves and those that have been narrated to us. Queer young people’s stories of queer ways of being are subjugated by dominant stories of heteronormativity, cis-genderism and gender binary. The article focuses on practices informed by narrative ideas that the author has used in therapy with young people. This article reflects the author’s use of the practices of Intentional Loitering, Externalising Heteronormativity, Linking lives with queer communities and Definitional Ceremonies with three young people and their families to navigate and nurture queerlands.

DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2022.83.2.213-228