"Queer theory is the perspective that questions the perception that cisgender and heterosexual identities are in any sense 'standard.'"
An exploration of the social, political, and cultural contexts of non-normative sexualities and gender identities, and the ways in which they intersect with other forms of oppression.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and anything outside of it is deviant or abnormal.
LGBTQIA+ Identities: The umbrella term for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual.
Sex vs. Gender: The distinction between biological sex and social gender, and the ways in which these concepts are constructed and performed differently across cultures and time.
Intersectionality: The recognition that identities such as race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect with and affect one another to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Power/Knowledge: The ways in which knowledge is constructed and used to reinforce power structures and maintain the status quo.
Patriarchy: The social and political system in which men hold primary power and privilege.
Transgender Theory: The study of the experiences of transgender individuals and how they challenge traditional notions of gender identity and expression.
Heterosexism: The systemic prejudice that privileges heterosexuals and marginalizes those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Queer Activism: The social and political movement to challenge heteronormativity and promote equality and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Queer Culture: The expression and celebration of non-heteronormative identities and experiences in art, literature, fashion, and other forms of popular culture.
Essentialist Queer Theory: This type of Queer Theory argues that sexuality is innate, biological, and fixed. This theory suggests that people are born with their sexuality and cannot change it.
Social Constructivist Queer Theory: This theory believes that sexual identities and preferences are socially constructed and influenced by factors such as cultural and historical contexts, politics, and power relations. It challenges the view that sexuality is innate in humans.
Postmodern Queer Theory: This theory is a response to essentialist and social constructivist views of sexuality. In postmodern Queer theory, there is no fixed or stable sexual identity, and all identities are fluid, flexible, and changing.
Intersectional Queer Theory: Intersectional Queer Theory argues that people's sexual identities intersect with other social identities, such as race, gender, and class. It addresses the complexity of people's experiences and identities and highlights the ways in which marginalization and discrimination are present in multiple ways.
Queer of Color Critique: This theory focuses on the intersection between race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It examines the ways in which queer people of color are marginalized and oppressed due to multiple social identities.
Queer Disability Studies: This theory examines the intersection between disability and sexuality. It focuses on how people with disabilities experience sexuality and how ableism affects their sexual identities and preferences.
Queer Transnational Theory: This theory examines the global nature of sexuality and the ways in which sexuality is influenced by factors such as globalization, migration, and imperialism. It emphasizes the diversity of sexual practices worldwide and the ways in which sexual identities are shaped by socio-political events and conditions.
Queer Feminist Theory: This theory emphasizes the intersection between queer theory and feminist theory. It focuses on the ways in which patriarchy intersects with heteronormativity and how this affects the experiences of LGBTQ+ people.
"It revisits such fields as literary analysis, philosophy, and politics with a 'queer' approach."
"Queer theory is a field of post-structuralist critical theory that emerged in the early 1990s."
"It emerged out of queer studies (often, formerly, gay and lesbian studies) and women's studies."
"The term 'queer theory' can have various meanings depending upon its usage."
"It has been broadly associated with the study and theorisation of gender and sexual practices that exist outside of heterosexuality."
"...which challenge the notion that heterosexual desire is 'normal'."
"Queer theorists are often critical of what they consider essentialist views of sexuality and gender."
"They study those concepts as social and cultural phenomena."
"They analyze the categories, binaries, and language in which they are said to be portrayed."
"...questions the perception that cisgender and heterosexual identities are in any sense 'standard'."
"It revisits such fields as literary analysis, philosophy, and politics with a 'queer' approach."
"It emerged out of queer studies (often, formerly, gay and lesbian studies) and women's studies."
"The term 'queer theory' can have various meanings depending upon its usage."
"...which challenge the notion that heterosexual desire is 'normal'."
"Queer theorists are often critical of what they consider essentialist views of sexuality and gender."
"They study those concepts as social and cultural phenomena."
"They analyze the categories, binaries, and language in which they are said to be portrayed."
"It questions the perception that cisgender and heterosexual identities are in any sense 'standard'."
"It revisits such fields as literary analysis, philosophy, and politics with a 'queer' approach."