Abstract

The intersection of magical realism and gender identity creates a powerful framework for exploring diverse identities in contemporary literature. Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars by Kai Cheng Thom exemplifies this blend, using the surreal to reveal the experiences of trans women. This article investigates how Thom’s fusion of the magical and real serves to challenge traditional gender binaries, drawing on Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity to examine how identity is shaped and reshaped through performance and social perception. By analyzing key characters and narrative techniques, this study shows how magical realism is not merely a narrative device but a method for queering reality itself, disrupting the limitations of binary gender norms. In Thom’s magical realist world, fantastical elements blend with the protagonist’s journey, illuminating the performative aspects of gender and the challenges faced by trans women. The text becomes a sociocultural commentary, resonating with contemporary gender discourse and extending beyond the page to address real-world complexities. Through this lens, the analysis uncovers how magical realism highlights issues central to gender identity, offering readers a transformative experience that challenges societal conventions and underscores the fluidity of identity. This article ultimately argues that Thom’s use of magical realism provides a unique approach to understanding and representing the lived realities of trans women.