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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrhs.net.v13.i11.7
Prashant Vitthalrao Nandanvare
Research Scholar
Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad Arts, Science & Commerce College
Maharashtra, India
Prof. Dr. Milind M. Ahire
Research Supervisor
Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad Arts, Science & Commerce College
Maharashtra, India
Abstract— In her book Mr. Loverman Bernardine Evaristo explores the issue of masculinity, migration and queer identity in the context of the Black British diaspora with a deep and critical insight. Barry Walker, a gay man of advanced age of Caribbean origin who lives in London and keeps hiding his homosexuality in the course of his heterosexual marriage for many years, becomes the protagonist of Evaristo’s novel. This paper discusses Evaristo’s undermining of stereotypes about masculinity through the conflict between public presentation and private desires. Using the concepts of hegemonic masculinity, diaspora, and queer identity, the paper examines the role of migration in formation of experience of belonging and negotiation of culture and identity. In particular, it explores how Barry’s identity is influenced by Caribbean cultural traditions, race-based social structures, and the pressure to be heterosexual that forces him to hide his true nature. At the same time, Evaristo shows how queer desire becomes a source of resistance against rigid gender roles and social conventions. Thus, by means of depiction of secret life, confrontation of emotions and finally self-acceptance, the novel Mr. Loverman reveals the complex reality of Black queer migrants. The paper argues that through her novel Evaristo contributes significantly to rethinking of Black masculinity as vulnerable, emotional and diverse. At the same time, she makes a valuable contribution to the contemporary discourse on diaspora, sexuality, and identity as she reveals the interconnection between race, migration, gender, and queer identity in multicultural Britain.
Keywords— Bernardine Evaristo, Mr. Loverman, masculinity, migration, queer identity, Black British literature, diaspora, sexuality, hegemonic masculinity.
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