We will begin the semester with an examination of the common features and themes of stories geared toward young adults, particularly the coming-of-age narrative (bildungsroman) that centers the stories of queer teens. We will also explore tropes from LGBTQIA+ representations of the past, analyze how contemporary texts grapple with "coming out" and "queer trauma," and recognize how race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect. This class is primarily centered on 21st century American​ literature; however, students will also encounter some visual texts, such as comics and films.