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, March 12, 2024

Final Project Idea and Work Plan; Olivia McKnight

 "Connecting Communities: Exploring Solidarity and Support through LGBTQ+ Helplines"

Project Pitch:

The late 20th century witnessed significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, but it was also a time marked by discrimination, marginalization, and the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. Amidst these challenges, grassroots organizations like the Lesbian Switchboard in Wisconsin and the Gay Switchboard in New York City emerged to provide crucial support and connection for LGBTQ+ individuals.

For my final paper I would like to delve into the profound impact of community resources like the Lesbian Switchboard in Wisconsin and the Gay Switchboard in New York City on the LGBTQ+ community. Through an exploration of these pioneering helplines, I will examine how they served as vital conduits for solidarity, connection, and empowerment, particularly for lesbians and other marginalized individuals within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. By analyzing the historical context, operations, and legacy of these switchboards, this paper seeks to illuminate the ways in which they facilitated support, information dissemination, and activism, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community.

This paper is significant because it sheds light on the often-overlooked history of grassroots LGBTQ+ organizing and activism. By centering the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and community organizations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to create change. Additionally, this project highlights the ongoing importance of solidarity and connection within the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the face of continued discrimination and marginalization.

"Connecting Communities: Exploring Solidarity and Support through LGBTQ+ Helplines" offers a valuable opportunity to honor the legacy of organizations like the Lesbian Switchboard and Gay Switchboard while also reflecting on their enduring relevance in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.



My Plan: 

Week March 11th- Research outline, gathering sources

Week March 18th- Read found all of the articles and make notes 

Week March 25th- watch the films and take notes/ trip to the archives to do research

Week April 1th- first draft 

Week April 8th- editing paper- begin designing the presentation 

Week April 15th- final paper done / presentation final stages

Week April 22th- presentation complete/paper complete - practice presenting project

Week April 29th- project presentation 

Articles to read:

   - "A History of Gay and Lesbian Activism in New York City" by Eric Marcus. This article, published in The New York Times, provides an overview of LGBTQ+ activism in New York City, which includes mentions of the Gay Switchboard.

   - Academic journals such as the Journal of Homosexuality, LGBTQ History, and GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies may contain scholarly articles on LGBTQ+ history, activism, and community organizing, including references to switchboards and helplines.


Archives and Websites to visit:

   - The Lesbian Herstory Archives in New York City may have materials related to the Lesbian Switchboard in Wisconsin, as well as photographs that could accompany the presentation.

   - The New York Public Library's Digital Collections and the New York City Municipal Archives may contain digitized documents, photographs, and ephemera related to LGBTQ+ activism in New York City, which could include materials on the Gay Switchboard.

   - Websites of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, historical societies, and community centers may provide information, resources, and archival materials related to switchboards and helplines.


Documentaries and Films to watch:

   - Re-watch Documentaries "How to Survive a Plague" and "United in Anger: A History of ACT UP" may contain footage and interviews related to LGBTQ+ activism and community organizing, including mentions of switchboards and helplines





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Erika Bauer - Final Project

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