Methodology of Queer Theory

Conceptual Framework §

• Queer: Anything out of the ordernary, normal, cis-hetero-normal mainstream society
  • Quare: …and also intersectionality w.r.t. race/ethnicity
  • anti-monolithic
• Space (Queer Theory): formalized camaraderies. Examples
  • Tenderloins ((Book) Kids on the Street)
  • Chosen Family ← alternative formulation of family
• Microphysics of Power
  • “Conditioned on” patriarchy, politics, etc. Not fully determined by, but conditioned by.
• Generalized colonization
  • colonization, but of queer spaces and people (bodies) by mainstream people.

Methology §

• Oral History
  • Linguistic Anthropology: “reinterpretation” or “reclaiming” of a term
• Dialectical Synthesis
  • Creating something new out of
  • Anti-essentialist, Anti-reductionist
    • Like Existentialism; existence preceeds essence; rejection of reduction/essentialism of (Philosopher) Edmund Husserl
• Standpoint Theory
  • Against Reification of perspectives

Activism §

Since queer-ness is by definition a subaltern identity there’s ongoing efforts to rectify repression.

• GLAAD: Media advocacy group—advises on pressures media representation of queer people