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, March 18, 2024

Tori Mather - Research Update - MOGAI (followup!)

 Almost every person I reached out to was happy to talk to me and provide their insight on their community, and I've actually gotten some very enlightening feedback from them! My favorite quotes I've gotten in response are: 

“In the same way a woman may feel her womanhood is tied to the color pink, flowy dresses or stereotypically feminine things — my gender is just tied to concepts that aren't usually associated with gender!” -rwuffles on Tumblr

“Identity can be serious, but it helps to let go and be able to make silly flags, use silly pronouns, just to remember that it’s not all about how you're presenting yourself to others, but what you’re doing for yourself to make you happy.” -rabidbatboy on Tumblr

“I have synesthesia, and that has affected my gender because it lets me visualize my identity. I think that's the main reason why I use xenogenders. Because I know what my gender looks like, and I need non-gendered concepts to explain it.” -ballsalsda on Tumblr

“I feel as if it's important to describe my gender as in how it doesn't work with the system we've put in place, but I feel it's also very important to stop comparing your gender to the binary for a second to explain how your gender feels.” -ballsalsda on Tumblr

With my research on MOGAI well on its way, I've started conducting a similar community questioning with therians. With any luck, they'll be half as kind as everyone in the MOGAI community I spoke with.

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Erika Bauer - Final Project

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