SOURCE: Rodriguez, Randy A. “Richard Rodriguez Reconsidered: Queering the Sissy (Ethnic) Subject.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language 40, no. 4 (winter 1998): 396-423.

In the following essay, the critic argues that Richard Rodriguez's work is rejected by many conservative Chicano critics not only because of his assimilationist narratives, but also because as a homosexual, he is considered to be a “non-man” in Chicano culture.

I don't like the word “gay.” Gay is a word better used for a butterfly, not human beings. Queer says “in your face.” Queer says “I'm here whether you like it or not.”

Of course … I also think of myself as queer in a sort of Noël Coward way, You know, reclining on the sofa with a long cigarette holder in hand.

Richard Rodriguez¹

Richard Rodriguez, the postmodern Hispanic autobiographer, social commentator, and essayist, a sissy? Queer? Forbid the thought! Repress the (written) word(s...