TENDAI HUCHU’S

This essay deploys Queer Theory in the evaluation of Tendai Huchu’s The Hairdresser of Harare. Queer theory is a literary approach that examines homosexuals’ sexual orientation in a particular society. This involves the way society defines concept and policies heterosexuality, homosexuality alongside gender and sexual identity. Queer theory is not just confined to sexualities or sexual right; it also questions established social, economic and political power relations that define the place of personal opinion in society. As Drew Shaw explains in his article "Queer inclination and representation: Dambudzo Marechera and Zimbabwe literature (2005)”tT.1995 was a turning point regarding the presence of homosexuality in Zimbabwe public space. The ban of GALZ (Gays and lesbian of Zimbabwe association)at the Harare international book fair and Robert Mugabe's violent speeches prompted international indignation and opened up a national debate. The theory explains in part the attention Tendai Huchus novel received. Here ,not only is the gay protagonist a positive character but he does not seem to be doomed and is eventually accepted for who he is by the female narrator. The assessment by Anna Chitondo and Molly Manyonganise focuses on a social and moral stand point