Abstract:
This study, Gender and Identity Construction in the Yuri Novel "Kantan: The Morning of January 1st" by 彩桜 (Sasa), has two main objectives: (1) to analyze the narrative techniques used in the novel and (2) to examine the gender identities and self-construction of women who love women within the story. The research applies gender theory as the primary analytical framework, supplemented by queer theory. The findings indicate that the author employs a fantasy-driven narrative structure, integrating world-building, character development, and thematic elements typical of the fantasy genre. Simultaneously, the novel embeds ideological discourse on women-loving-women identities, aiming to carve out social space for this group. This is evident in how the female protagonist is portrayed as surpassing male characters in every societal aspecteconomic, social, and political. Furthermore, the novel serves as a unique platform for increasing awareness and fostering understanding of women-loving-women identities in Thai society. It actively challenges the binary opposition and heterosexual norms deeply embedded in societal structures by depicting same-sex female relationships that seek to break free from these conventional frameworks. In doing so, the novel contributes to the discourse on gender equality and the recognition of diverse sexual identities. However, the author ultimately finds herself constrained by ingrained societal mythsparticularly the prevailing notion of the "man-woman family unit" as the ultimate expression of fulfillment and happiness within family and social structures. This ideological constraint influences the representation of gender and identity in the novel, necessitating adaptations in how women-loving-women identities are expressed within different social contexts. The study highlights the limitations placed on gender diversity in public spaces, revealing that such identities can often only be fully expressed within private spheres. Keywords: Gender, Construction of Identity, Yuri Novel, Series: "Kantan: Before Sunrise"