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From shadow-daddies and dragon bonds to high-stakes magic, modern Romantasy offers far more than simple escapism. Beneath the epic worldbuilding lies a deep exploration of bodily autonomy and consent, where emotional boundaries and high-stakes magic go hand in hand. But the true power of Romantasy doesn't end on the final page.
In this engaging talk, researcher and Romantasy reader, Michelle Esrig-Munguia, explores how the genre’s themes of personal agency mirror the incredible force of its fan community. Moving from digital spaces like BookTok into real-world communities, fans are actively dismantling industry gatekeeping and claiming their space in mainstream culture. Discover how reading about empowerment on the page fuels real-world community, and the role of Romantasy fans in shaping a genre that centres women's agency, desire, and feminist resistance.