IDENTITY BETWEEN LIMITS: SEXUALITY AND QUEER LITERATURE IN SICK LOVE BY CECILIA ȘTEFĂNESCU
IDENTITY BETWEEN LIMITS: SEXUALITY AND QUEER LITERATURE IN SICK LOVE BY CECILIA ȘTEFĂNESCU

Summary/Abstract: The paper explores the search for sexual identity and the dilemmas of self-discovery in contemporary Romanian queer literature, with Cecilia Ștefănescu's novel Sick Love as the main point of reference. Published during a period of cultural and social redefinition, Cecilia Ștefănescu's work brings to the forefront an authentic portrayal of intimate relationships through the perspective of the main character, Kiki, whose love life is marked by a dual attraction to two characters with strongly contrasting identities: Alex, her childhood friend, and Renato, a young, magnetic megalomaniac. By analyzing Kiki's relationships, the paper discusses the complexity of queer identity and the challenges posed by social pressures, personal choices, and the need for acceptance. The study highlights the ways in which Romanian literature succeeds in deconstructing stereotypes and addressing sensitive themes such as fluid love, isolation, and sexual identity, all within a social framework where traditional norms still play a predominant role. By examining the protagonist's inner conflicts and ambivalent relationships, the paper underscores Cecilia Ștefănescu's contributions to Romanian queer literature and the significance of her work in the broader process of validation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in the Romanian literary space. Thus, the research emphasizes the role of queer literature not only as a reflection of identity but also as a means of expressing the complex universe of the self in relation to others, highlighting the importance of representation and acceptance of diversity in contemporary Romanian literature.

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