What if your PhD was in fanfiction? (Spoiler: our guest actually did that.)

In this episode, Nikki & Meg are joined by scholar and fandom queen Dr. Katie Freund to talk about the queer roots of fandom, transformative works, and the power of rewriting stories that didn’t get it right the first time.

From slash fic to spite fic, they explore how fandom creates space for identity, reclaims representation, and gives the middle finger to canon when necessary.

Listen in for:

* The queer-coded history of early fan communities

* Why fanfiction is often more inclusive than traditional media

* Canon vs. Fanon, and how queer stories survive bad endings

* The joy of seeing yourself when no one else puts you on the page

(Yes, we talk about Supernatural. No, we do not apologize.)

Books & Media We Mention:

* Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)

* Murderbot (tv show)

* Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

* Buffy the Vampire Slayer

* Supernatural

* Gundam Wing

* The 100

* Harry Potter

* Stargate SG-1 & Atlantis

* Hit the Floor

* The Boys

* Sense8

* Orange Is the New Black

* Fast & Furious franchise

* Xena: Warrior Princess

* AO3, LiveJournal, Fanfiction.net

* Podcast: It’s a Thing

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