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 5, 2024

SamU. January 18, 2024 - "How Gay Life in America Has Changed Over 50 Years"

 This Time article looks back on how the aspect of gay life in America has changed over the years from the Stonewall riots to today and what effect it has had in changing the times for the better. It’s no secret that at the time of the 1960’s, many articles were very open and brash on their views and opinions on the gay community. They would openly criticize them, mock them, criminalize them and cover stories of attacks and arrests made on the community. Never was the community shown in a good light. Rather it seems these articles were mainly focused on informing the public to be aware and stay away from these “people''. However, after the Stonewall riots, the community now had control on what the articles can write about them. These articles had no choice but to publish stories on these riots, showing the willpower of the community in fighting for equal rights. Their determination to gain equal rights has inspired others to realize that these people are just people and only wish to live with others in peace. They are fighting not just to cause havoc, but to have their voice heard. The Stonewall riot went on to spark various LGBTQ+ movements that are still occurring till this day, which now have resulted in the legalization of gay marriage, trans health resources, drag shows, gay adoption rights, etc. 


However, as all good things come, there will always be a percentage of the population who retain conservative ideologies and are pushing back against these movements. At this point, it's not even just affecting the LGBTQ+ community, but many minority groups such as blacks, hispanics, muslims, chinese, etc. Tensions are higher than ever and some states have seem to go back in time by making gay marriage illegal, restricting trans health resources, building segreagtion among blacks and white, crimilizing muslims and chinese people. It’s only a matter of time before everything the community has worked for to change will revert back to how it was then as the people who are in power are the ones who criminalize them the most. 


https://time.com/3891557/gay-life-in-america/ 


In Less Than 50 Years, a Sea Change on Gay Rights - The New York Times

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Erika Bauer - Final Project

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