Queering, or queer reading, is the technique of applying queer theory to texts. In other words, analyzing parts of texts that reinforce heterosexuality or identity binaries, in order to highlight the socially constructed nature of these binaries or center previously marginalized aspects of queerness in the texts.

Queering (queer reading)

Queer theory is a field of critical theory that can include different meanings, but most broadly referes to a lens that centers the abnormal (the queer) in order to demonstrate the socially constructed boundaries of the normal. 

Georgetown University

Queer studies, formerly called “gay and lesbian studies” and sometimes now called LGBT studies, focuses on the construction of sexuality and gender identities, centering queerness. By centering queerness, the theories of this field are not confined to gender and sexuality alone, although that is the focus, but can instead be applied to all socially constructed norms.

Queer studies

This theory examines and critiques societies and cultures and looks at social issues and structures that lead to inequality. It identifies the people who can suppress this inequality and outlines the steps needed to reach human liberation. 

Critical Theory

Warner, Michael, ed. (2011). Fear of a queer planet : queer politics and social theory. University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-0-8166-2334-1. OCLC 934391034. 

Fear of a queer planet : queer politics and social theory

Wikipedia

Originating in the 1970s, what was then called “gay and lesbian studies” focused on uncovering lesbian and gay history. Literary theory was quickly brought in from literature departments as a central method of analysis.

Gay and Lesbian Studies (Roots of Queer Studies)

Queer Theory is "not synonymous with gender theory, nor even with the overlapping fields of gay and lesbian studies, but does share many of their concerns with normative definitions of man, woman, and sexuality." This theory questions the categories of sexual identity and the paradigms created from what is considered normative sexual ideology. 

Queer Theory in Literature 

The process of listening and considering ideas from as many perspectives as possible to reason a conclusion and inform an strategic academic plan. 

Critical Inquiry Theory in Education

Learning science an interdisciplinary field that works to further our understanding of learning as well as to engage in the design and implementation of learning innovations. Contributing fields include cognitive science, computer science, educational psychology, anthropology, and applied linguistics. 

Learning Science

Critical Race Theory is an interdisciplinary movement made up of activists and scholars working to understand and change the relationships between race, racism, and power. 

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Critical Practices in Literature 

Cultural Studies analyze the political dynamics of contemporary culture, such as "pop culture" and its historical basis. Cultural studies researchers review how cultural practices connect to wider systems of power associated with or operating through, social phenomena, including ideology, class structures, national formations, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and generation.

Cultural Studies

A major critique of the current disability studies discipline relates to its essentialist and binary approach to understanding disability and the subjective disability experience. 

Disability Studies and Intersectionality


The critical perspective emerged in the 1970's with roots in Black Feminism. 

History of Critical Perspective in Disabillity Studies

Black feminist thought understands race to play a role in whether society labels an individual as a woman. Thus, the term intersectionality was coined in 1989 to explain how power and status contribute to social organization and understanding. 


19th Century Black Feminist History Influenced the Inception of Intersectionality 

Intersectionality examines the experiences of people who are experiencing discrimination on the basis of two or more marginalized identities at the same time, and how this differs from experiencing discrimnination on the basis of these identities individually.  Because of this depending on context, we all have areas where we experience privilege, as well as areas of oppression

For example, the stereotypes or preconceived notions held about black women are not merely a combination of those held about black people and those held about women, but a unique intersection of racism and sexism that black women experience differently from either black men or white women.

Intersectionality

Disability studies resaerch often neglects the presence of an individual's identity which can have major influence over their subjective reality and reinforces oppressive systems. 

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