Queerstudies

Queerstudies refers to an interdisciplinary field focused on queerness, sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ subject matter, drawing on queer theory and LGBTQ studies, and examining how norms around sex, gender, and desire are constructed, regulated, and contested across cultures; it encompasses literature, history, film, law, health, anthropology, sociology, and media studies.

History: Emerged in late 20th century as an expansion of gay and lesbian studies and gender studies, influenced by queer theory from scholars such as Michel Foucault, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and Judith Butler; the term queerstudies denotes a broader, more inclusive orientation that includes transgender, intersex, bisexual, asexual, and other non-normative experiences, as well as critiques of heteronormativity and cisnormativity.

Focus and methods: Analyzes power, discourse, and identity; uses critical theory, discourse analysis, historical and archival research, ethnography; engages with literature, film, art, digital media; emphasizes intersectionality with race, class, disability, religion, migration.

Institutions and scholarship: Taught in universities, with dedicated journals and conferences; key publications include GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies, Journal of Homosexuality, Sexualities; research centers and student organizations contribute to field-building.

Debates: Conversations around inclusivity, political orientation, and the politics of labeling; tension between academic critique and political activism; debates about essentialism vs. fluidity, the scope of queer activism.

Impact: Influenced humanities and social sciences, law and policy, education, and media representation; contributes to rethinkings of sexuality, gender, and rights.