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.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Maggie Ryan: Food for Thought

 

"Gaycation" is a documentary series by Elliot Page and Ian Daniel. 

It depicts the two men traveling internationally to learn about different LGBT cultures across the globe. However what always stood out to me was the episode focused on the United States.

Here, Page and Daniels learn about the history of Gay New York and the setbacks LGBT people have endured, as well as shooting the famous clip of Page trying to interview Ted Cruz at the Iowa Republican Caucus and his stance on gay rights. 

The pair do make a quick detour in Saskatchewan, Canada with Two Spirit Native Americans. 

The term "Two Spirit" has been around for quite some time, as tribes were quick to accept LGBT members. It would be false to say "Two Spirit" is their term for transgender folk because it is widely seen as so much more. 


  



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Erika Bauer - Final Project

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