1. Queer Theory/ies

2. Origins of Queer Theory/ies???
The term “Queer Theory” is rumored to have come from Teresa de Lauretis during a conference on theorizing lesbian and gay sexualities that was held at the University of California, Santa Cruz in February 1990.
Early pioneers of queer theory/ies include:
Judith Butler - Gender Trouble
Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick - Epistemology of the Closet
David Halperin - One Hundred Years of Homosexuality

3. Queer Theory (theories)
Some common tenets of QT:
The focus is often primarily on processed through which sexuality is framed in culture and the affect on individuals.
Understanding of sexual orientation is constructed within:
Cultural Formations: the ways in which different cultures value/devalue sexuality and gender
Social Practices: normalized behaviors, activities, goals, priorities of societies.

4. Queer Theory (theories)
Some factors motivating QT:
Reaction to LGBT population being placed outside the mainstream of society
Yet, embracing knowledge and perspectives gained from being marginalized
Resistance to forces that isolate people using:
Labels (he/she/him/her/gay/man/lesbian/etc.)
“Normal” Standards
Rigid Roles (in families, relationships, etc.)
Social Trends that eradicate differences

5. Queer Theory (theories)
Queer Theories attempt to understand & recognize how certain aspects of humanity, certain differences, become:
Acceptable   Preferred
Centralized   Idealized
Unacceptable   Undesirable (marginalized)
Displaces:
Tolerance  in favor of Affirmation
Acceptance  in favor of Intersubjectivity
Normalizing  in favor of Transformation

6. Questions?