QUEER ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN "RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE" MOVIE

This research aims to analyze the queer identities of the main characters in the movie Red, White Royal Blue, directed by Matthew López (2023). The purposes of this research are to analyze how the main characters express their queer identities and to analyze the social factors influencing their identities as seen in the movie. The method used is descriptive qualitative, following Hancock (2002:2). The theoretical framework applied is Judith Butler's concept of gender performativity as the main theory, supported by Michael Warner's concept of heteronormativity. Data were collected by watching the movie repeatedly and selecting relevant scenes containing dialogues and actions performed by the main characters, Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry of England. The 15 data of queer identity expression were found and classified into three types: 6 data of Gender Performativity, 5 data of Critique of Heteronormativity, and 4 data of Deconstruction of Sex/Gender Binary. The researcher also found social factors: 10 data of Heteronormativity, 3 data of Counterpublics, and 2 data of Sex in Public. The findings indicate that Gender Performativity is the most dominant concept of queer identity expression, while Heteronormativity is the most dominant social factor influencing the characters. The data show that queer identity expression in this movie is not static but continuously performed and negotiated through repeated acts shaped by social norms, as argued by Butler. The movie portrays how queer individuals navigate the tension between personal authenticity and social conformity within heteronormative institutional structures, contributing meaningfully to contemporary queer representation in cinema