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.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Vicky Liu: Food for thought


A Different Light gay bookstore in Castro closing

In the 20th century, there was a blossoming of lesbian/gay culture. Bookstores like A Different Light serve as a safe space for lesbian and gay individuals. The first store was opened in 1979, but by 2011, all chain A Different Light bookstores were closed due to larger bookstore companies with new LGBTQ sections that offered heavy discounts, like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.


How the Nazi Regime's Pink Triangle Symbol Was Repurposed for LGBTQ Pride





















Pink and black triangles were used by Nazis to identify lesbians and gay individuals during the Holocaust. These two symbols were then adopted as positive symbols for a reminder of the past and for solidarity among lesbian and gay individuals.

In the 20th century, gay bathhouses grew into centers that advocated for political and health activism, especially because of the HIV/AIDs epidemic. Similarly to gay bookstores, gay bathhouses served as a safe space, but many closed due to high rent and competition, as it's easier to arrange hookups online on dating apps rather than in person.


2/6/24 Assignment
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Erika Bauer - Final Project

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