SEMINAR DESCRIPTION

This course will surface the ways in which LGBTQ+ people and communities have impacted the ways in which mainstream American culture has been shaped by cultural production derived from thinking that challenges heteronormativity in post-World War II America until the validation of same sex marriage in 2014 Through the lenses of queer theory, evolving queer history, Since the emergence of “homosexuality” and “transsexuality” as identities in the late 19th century, queer culture has been presumed to develop in the margins of American life, ancillary to and shaped by heterosexual norms. Yet, the vast majority of queer people in the last hundred years have lived (to at least some degree) in the closet, allowing them to exist in the mainstream while maintaining a distinctly non-normative identity. Thus, to quote bell hooks, allowing them "to bring the margin into the center." In 15 meetings over the course of the semester, through lectures, discussions, texts, slides, films and video, we will explore the ways in which transformative integration of queer designs for living have occurred. Highlighting pivotal events and shifts in American cultural, political, and creative history this course will provide food for thought about the ways in queerness is integral to American notions of progress and freedom.

Monday, February 19, 2024

"Food for Thought: Queer Design Examples” Lambda symbol - Xingyu Wang

 

In the aftermath of the Stonewall riots, a significant design case was the adoption of the Lambda (λ) symbol in the 1970s by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of liberation and unity, reflecting the movement's pursuit of change and hope.

Background: The Lambda symbol was initially adopted by the gay liberation movement in the 1970s as a symbol representing strength, unity, and resistance. The choice was partly due to the use of λ in mathematics and physics to represent change and energy, making it a powerful symbol of the community's determination to change the status quo.

Design: The Lambda symbol is simple, clear, and easily recognizable, which facilitated its rapid spread within LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. Its minimalist yet powerful design allows for versatile representation across various mediums and materials, from badges and flags to public art.

Impact: The adoption and proliferation of the Lambda symbol not only strengthened the sense of identity within the LGBTQ+ community but also served as an outward declaration of their pursuit of equality, respect, and freedom. It has been adopted by numerous LGBTQ+ organizations, including the International Gay Rights Congress, as a symbol of resistance against discrimination and a fight for rights.

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Erika Bauer - Final Project

 Link to my final project https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10M3X31MtgSnCAicMzf6pDhINFAjSNRaGX8BJnh3_9Eg/edit