Queer Theory

Thinking Activity:- Queer Theory:-

Hello Readers! This blog is written in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dr.Dilip Barad sir from the Department of English, MKBU. This blog deals with various western literary theories like Marxism, Feminism, Ecocriticism and Queer theory. In this blog, I will discuss Queer Theory.

Introduction:-

Queer theory is a field of study that critically examines societal norms related to sexuality and gender. It investigates how society defines and enforces norms surrounding concepts such as heterosexuality, homosexuality, and gender and sexual identities. As a branch of gender and sexuality studies, queer theory seeks to deconstruct established notions of acceptability and normalcy. It challenges and disrupts traditional ideas, opening new avenues of thought to redefine concepts central to identity and identity politics.

What is Queer Theory or Term ?

The term 'queer' was originally derogatory, employed to stigmatize same-sex love as deviant and unnatural. However, since the early 1990s, the term has been reclaimed and adapted by gays and lesbians as a noninvidious term. It is now used to identify a way of life and has become a focus for scholarly inquiry within the field of queer theory. This reappropriation reflects a broader effort to challenge and reclaim language, fostering a sense of empowerment and community among individuals whose experiences were historically marginalized or stigmatized.

Through the 1970s, the two movements were Primarily seperatists :- 

  1. Gays often thought of themselves as quintessentially male. 

 2. While many Lesbians , aligning themselves with the feminist movement. 

Both lesbian studies and gay studies emerged as "liberation movements" during the late 1960s and 1970s, parallel to other liberation movements like those for African-Americans and feminists. This period was marked by anti-Vietnam War sentiments, anti-establishment views, and countercultural ferment. Since their inception, these studies have maintained a close relationship with activists working towards achieving political, legal, and economic rights equal to those of the heterosexual majority for gays and lesbians. The academic fields of lesbian and gay studies have been intertwined with broader social and political movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

A rainbow flag, the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community :- 

Queer theory is an academic discipline that delves into issues of sexuality and identity. It investigates the formation of these identities and challenges the socially constructed binaries that people often adhere to. Encouraging exploration beyond the confines of cisgender and heterosexual norms, queer theory seeks to analyze sexuality and identity beyond stereotypes and traditional perceptions. As it emerged as an academic discipline, queer theory provided a fresh perspective on human sexuality and identity, free from restrictions or boundaries, fostering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of diverse experiences.

The rainbow flag, commonly known as the pride flag, serves as a symbol of LGBT pride and the broader LGBT social movements. The flag's colors are symbolic of the diversity within the LGBT community and represent the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The tradition of using a rainbow flag as a symbol of LGBT pride originated in San Francisco, California, and has since become widespread at LGBT rights events and celebrations worldwide. The flag stands as a visible and powerful emblem of solidarity, inclusivity, and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary ,

 "Queer theory is an approach to literary and cultural study that rejects traditional categories of gender and Sexuality. "

Lesbian Gay Criticism, often associated with Queer theory, involves examining literature and cultural texts through a queer lens. It explores representation, identity, and power dynamics within these texts. Society's response to queer theory has evolved over time. Initially met with resistance, it has gained acceptance as conversations around LGBTQ+ issues have become more mainstream. However, resistance still persists.

Society's outlook towards Queer theory varies widely. While there is increasing acceptance and understanding, some segments may still hold orthodox and conservative views. It is crucial to highlight the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals and queer theory face, fostering awareness and promoting inclusivity in the ongoing dialogue around sexuality and gender.

Major Theorist and their Works:-

Judith Butler:-

Judith Butler is a foundational figure in queer theory and women's studies. Her 1990 work, "Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity," played a crucial role in the development of queer theory as an academic discipline.

In her text, Butler describes gender and sexuality as performative. This means that the cultural discourse not only defines what is considered masculine or feminine but also brings these categories into existence through the establishment of identities and patterns of behavior. According to Butler, homosexuality is not a fixed identity but rather a socially pre-established pattern of action that gives the appearance of originating from a specific identity.

Butler's analysis of gender as flexible and undefinable has been influential in the development of queer theories on gender and identity. Queer theory, building on Butler's ideas, challenges traditional notions of gender by portraying it as fluid and constantly changing, rejecting the idea that gender can be strictly binary.

Barbara Smith:-

"Toward a Black Feminist Criticism" is a book written by Barbara Smith, first published in 1977. Barbara Smith, an African American critic, asserted that while white women have seen improvements in their conditions and gained a place in a male-dominant society since the beginning of feminism, there has been little significant improvement in the condition of black women.

Smith and similar writers raised their voices against this disparity, arguing that black women should be given specific recognition because their life experiences differ from those of white women. They emphasized that the conditions of both white and black women cannot be described in the same manner, highlighting the need for a distinct and inclusive approach to feminist criticism that addresses the unique challenges faced by black women.

Ann Allen Shockley :-

Ann Allen Shockley is an American journalist, editor, and author who specializes in themes of interracial lesbian love, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by black lesbians.

In her work "The Black Lesbian in American Literature: An Overview," Shockley engages in a sustained debate among queer theorists. This debate revolves around the tension between radical constructionism, which posits that lesbian or gay identity is a linguistic and discursive product specific to a particular culture, and the need to affirm a special and enduring type of human identity. The latter perspective seeks to signalize and celebrate this identity while also establishing a basis for concerted political action within the LGBTQ+ community. This debate reflects broader discussions within queer theory about the nature and construction of sexual and gender identities.

Diana Fuss:- 

Diana Fuss is a professor of literature, film, and feminist studies. Her book "Inside/Out: Lesbian Theories, Gay Theories" explores the evolution of perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community. Fuss highlights the transformation from "coming out" to "acting up" to "outing," signifying a radical redefinition of societal views on sexuality and gender.

"Inside/Out" shifts the focus from mere sexual acts to sexual orientation, prompting a reconsideration of the concepts of the sexual and the political. The book engages with the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ identity, challenging traditional notions and contributing to the ongoing discourse within queer theory. Fuss's work reflects the broader societal shifts in understanding and defining sexual orientation and its intersection with politics.

What Lesbian/ Gay Critics do?

1. Identify and establish a canon of 'classic' lesbian/gay writers whose work constitutes a distinct tradition. These are, in the main, twentieth-century writers, such as Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West, Dorothy Richardson, Rosamund Lehmann, and Radclyffe Hall. 

 2. Identify lesbian/gay episodes in mainstream work and discuss them as such (for example, the relationship between Jane and Helen in Jane Eyre), rather than reading same-sex pairings in non-specific ways, for instance, as symbolising two aspects of the same character (Zimmerman). 

 3. Set up an extended, metaphorical sense of 'lesbian/gay' so that it connotes a moment of crossing a boundary, or blurring a set of categories. All such 'liminal' moments mirror the moment of selfidentification as lesbian or gay, which is necessarily an act of conscious resistance to established norms and boundaries. 

 4. Expose the 'homophobia' of mainstream literature and criticism, as seen in ignoring or denigrating the homosexual aspects of the work of major canonical figures, for example, by omitting overtly homosexual love lyrics from selections or discussions of the poetry of W. H. Auden (Mark Lilly). 

 5. Foreground homosexual aspects of mainstream literature which have previously been glossed over. 

 6. Foreground literary genres, previously neglected, which significantly influenced ideals of masculinity or femininity.

Examples of Literature and Movie :-

Orlando : A Biography (1928) novel by Virginia Woolf :- 

"Orlando," a novel by Virginia Woolf, is indeed considered a notable work in queer studies due to its exploration of gender identity and fluidity. The protagonist, Orlando, undergoes a mysterious gender transformation and lives across centuries, moving through different historical periods. Virginia Woolf uses this narrative device to examine the constructed nature of gender roles and societal expectations.

The novel has become a significant text for queer theorists interested in exploring concepts of identity and the fluidity of gender over time. Woolf's portrayal of Orlando's experiences challenges traditional notions of gender and raises questions about the stability and malleability of identity. "Orlando" remains a key literary work in discussions surrounding gender and queer theory.

Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan ( 2020) Film:-

"Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan" is indeed a Bollywood film that prominently features LGBTQ+ themes, specifically addressing the societal challenges encountered by same-sex couples in India. The movie aims to explore the complexities and stereotypes associated with queer relationships, intending to raise awareness and foster understanding among audiences.

By combining humor with a message, the film takes on a lighthearted yet impactful approach to challenge societal norms and promote inclusivity. "Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan" contributes to the evolving landscape of Bollywood cinema by engaging with and highlighting LGBTQ+ narratives, thus participating in the broader conversation surrounding representation and acceptance in Indian cinema.

The Married Woman (Series):-

"The Married Woman," an Indian drama series based on Manju Kapoor's novel of the same name, indeed provides an interesting lens through which to apply queer theory. By examining the series through a queer theory perspective, one can explore how it addresses and challenges traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and relationships.

The show likely questions societal norms and expectations, offering a perspective that goes beyond conventional understandings of marriage and relationships. Queer theory, with its focus on challenging and deconstructing normative ideas, can be a valuable framework for analyzing narratives that diverge from traditional expectations. In this way, "The Married Woman" may contribute to the broader conversation around queer representation and the reimagining of relationships in Indian media.

Modern Love Mumbai :-

"Modern Love Mumbai" sounds like an intriguing Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy anthology that explores diverse stories of human connection and love. In the second episode, titled "Baai," the narrative revolves around Manzu, a gay man navigating the complexities of his relationships.

Torn between the love for his partner and his ailing and doting grandmother, the episode appears to delve into the intersections of family dynamics, cultural expectations, and personal identity. This storyline could provide a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ within the context of familial and societal expectations, offering a narrative that aligns with themes often addressed in queer theory.

Kapoor & Sons:-

This film Potrarys a Gay character and explores the dynamics within a dysfunctional family. 

 Call me by Your Name Novel by Andre Aciman:-

"Call Me by Your Name" is indeed an example often discussed in the context of queer studies due to its exploration of sexuality and identity. André Aciman's novel, as well as Luca Guadagnino's film adaptation, centers around a same-sex romance, exploring the nuances of desire and self-discovery.

The story, set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Italian summer, captures the intricacies and complexities of a relationship, contributing to discussions within queer studies and LGBTQ+ representation in media. The film, in particular, has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of the characters and its ability to evoke the emotional landscape of the novel, making it a significant work within the broader conversation about queer cinema.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, Queer theory is a framework that challenges traditional views on gender and sexuality by emphasizing fluidity and resisting fixed categories. It critiques societal norms, advocates for inclusivity, and explores the intersectionality of identities. Through these efforts, queer theory contributes to fostering a more nuanced understanding of human experiences, recognizing and affirming the diverse ways individuals express their gender and sexuality.

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