Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

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First Advisor

Iker González-Allende

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Committee Members

Alfredo Martínez Expósito, Ingrid Robyn, Isabel Velázquez, Theresa Catalano

Department

Modern Languages and Literatures

Date of this Version

7-13-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Modern Languages and Literatures

Under the supervision of Professor Iker González-Allende

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Daniel Lino Plata. Used by permission

Abstract

This dissertation explores the continuum between assimilation and resistance in LGBTQ+ Spanish works of the last two decades. Through the analysis of autobiographical narratives, songs and music videos, novels, and films, I argue that in contemporary Spanish culture, queer and LGBTQ+ subjectivities appear as complex spaces of negotiation between normativity, assimilation, resistance, and transformation. In this sense, the objects of study challenge the idea that LGBTQ+ identities are necessarily or inherently subversive. Instead, they show how queer subjects can both question dominant structures and, at times, reproduce or desire heteronormative models related to gender, sexuality, family, class, respectability, national identity, and cultural belonging. The five chapters of this dissertation examine El amor del revés (2016) by Luisgé Martín, El niño que no fui (2022) by Daniel Valero, “Por España” (2021) by Samantha Hudson, “Varón” (2023) by El Gato con Jotas, Tan jóvenes y la pena (2021) by Millanes Rivas, La mala costumbre (2023) by Alana S. Portero, Chuecatown (2007) by Juan Flahn, and Dolor y gloria (2019) by Pedro Almodóvar. My theoretical framework draws from queer theory, cultural studies, transfeminism, homonormativity, respectability politics, disidentification, and critiques of pink capitalism. Ultimately, this study advocates for a more nuanced understanding of contemporary queer representations in Spanish culture and their experiences and attitudes regarding normative models as a path to better articulate strategies of emancipation.

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