"Queer theory is the perspective that questions the perception that cisgender and heterosexual identities are in any sense 'standard.'"
An interdisciplinary field of study that explores the ways in which society constructs and oppresses non-normative sexualities and genders, and advocates for the rights and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gender: The study of how social, cultural, and biological factors shape our understanding and experience of masculine and feminine identities.
Sexuality: The study of how people experience and express their sexual desires and behaviors, including sexual orientation and desire, sexual practices, and sexual identity.
Intersectionality: The study of how different aspects of a person's identity (such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability) interconnect and affect their experiences and opportunities.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or "normal" sexual orientation, and that all relationships and identities should conform to this standard.
Homophobia: A range of negative attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs towards people who identify as LGBTQ+, often rooted in heteronormative and patriarchal social norms.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Queer: An umbrella term used to describe people who identify as any non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender identity.
Cisgender: A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.
Binary gender: The traditional notion that there are only two genders, male and female, and that they are fixed and mutually exclusive.
Non-binary gender: An umbrella term used to describe gender identities outside of the binary, such as agender, genderqueer, and genderfluid.
Gender expression: The ways in which people present, communicate, and express their gender identity through their appearance, behavior, and personal style.
Feminism: The belief and advocacy of the rights and equality of all genders, with a focus on the empowerment of marginalized and oppressed communities.
Patriarchy: A system of social organization in which men hold the primary positions of power and authority in society.
Misogyny: The hatred or disdain for women, often manifesting as discrimination, harassment, or violence.
Sexism: Prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping based on a person's sex or gender identity.
Intersectional feminism: A feminist approach that acknowledges the ways in which different forms of oppression and privilege intersect and interact, such as race, class, and sexuality.
Womanism: A social and political philosophy centered on the experiences and struggles of black women, focusing on issues of racism, classism, and sexism.
Trans feminism: A feminist approach that centers on the experiences of trans and non-binary people, with a focus on addressing the ways in which gender and sexuality are used to justify discrimination and violence.
Queer feminism: A feminist approach that seeks to challenge the heteronormative and patriarchal assumptions of mainstream feminist discourse by centering on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Disability studies: The study of how disability is experienced and represented in society, with a focus on challenging ableist assumptions and advocating for the rights and inclusion of disabled people.
Postcolonial theory: The study of the legacy of colonialism and imperialism, with a focus on the cultural and political forces that continue to shape global power relations.
Critical race theory: The study of how race and racism intersect with other forms of oppression and power, with a focus on addressing systemic inequalities and promoting racial justice.
Transnational feminism: A feminist approach that seeks to understand the ways in which gender and sexuality operate in a global context, with a focus on challenging transnational power relations and advocating for women's rights across borders.
Asexuality: A sexual orientation in which a person does not experience sexual attraction to others.
Pansexuality: A sexual orientation in which a person is attracted to people regardless of gender or sex.
Heterosexism: A system that prioritizes heterosexuality and discriminates against those whose sexual and/or romantic orientations do not fit this norm.
Bisexuality: A sexual orientation in which a person is attracted to multiple genders.
Decolonial theory: An approach that seeks to understand and challenge imperialist and colonialist structures, norms and values, which remain present within our social institutions and systems.
Lesbian and Gay Studies: This type of Queer Theory focuses on the experiences and history of lesbians and gay men. It seeks to explore marginalized queer narratives and the construction of queer identities.
Transgender Studies: This branch of Queer Theory examines the social and political implications of gender identity and expression. It questions the traditional binary gender system and explores non-binary gender identities.
Queer of Color Critique: This theory brings together critical race theory and Queer Theory to examine the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. It scrutinizes traditional discourses of whiteness and heteronormativity while exploring the experiences of queer people of color.
Queer Feminist Theory: This branch of Queer Theory combines Feminist Theory and Queer Theory to examine the intersections of gender and sexuality as they relate to social structures and institutions. It explores systems of oppression and their impact on queer and feminist identities.
Postmodern Queer Theory: This type of Queer Theory is concerned with language and representation, and how they shape our understanding of queer identities. It challenges normative categories and identities, advocating for the subversion of established structures and hierarchies.
Queer Pedagogy: This theory is concerned with queer issues in education, advocating for inclusive and adaptive learning environments. It explores the impact of heteronormativity on education while promoting queer-centered educational strategies.
Queer Performance Studies: This branch of Queer Theory analyzes how queer identity is constructed through artistic expression. It explores the intersection of gender and sexuality with performance, examining the influence of social and cultural contexts on queer performance.
"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."