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, April 9, 2024

Xingyu Wang- The First Openly Gay Character in American Comics

Extraño: In mainstream comics, a character named Extraño is often considered the first openly gay character, introduced by DC Comics in "Millennium" #2 in 1988. However, Extraño's portrayal was full of stereotypes, reflecting the societal prejudices and misunderstandings of the LGBTQ+ community at the time.Being considered one of the first openly gay characters in mainstream comics, This reflects the initial steps towards LGBTQ+ visibility in comics, albeit with a need for a deeper, more nuanced representation.

Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier): On the other hand, Marvel's Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier), who first appeared in "Alpha Flight" #1 in 1979, didn't have his homosexuality revealed until "Alpha Flight" #106 in 1992. Northstar's coming out is seen as a significant moment in comic history, marking the beginning of more authentic and positive representations of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream comics. This shift towards authenticity in depicting LGBTQ+ stories and characters indicates a broader acceptance and understanding within both the comic industry and its audience, moving beyond stereotypes to embrace more complex and diverse narratives.








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Erika Bauer - Final Project

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