Queer Theory

  Welcome readers! This blog is written in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dr.Dilip Barad sir from Department of English, MKBU. This blog deals with various literary theories like - Marxism, Feminism, Ecocriticism and Queer study. In this Particular blog I will discuss about Queer theory and how one can apply these theory in the reading of a text. 

  Thinking  Activity

Queer Theory

  Introduction :- 

  Queer theory is a field of study that examines the nature of Sexuality and gender based normativity and how Society defines and Polices the concepts of heterosexuality, homosexuality, and gender and Sexual identities. As a branch of gender and Sexuality studies, queer theory aims to deconstruct what is acceptable or normal. Queer theory opens new avenues of thought to define concepts considered central to identity and identity Politics. 

 Queer theory is often used to designate the combined area of gay and lesbian studies, together with the theoretical and critical writings about all modes of variance - such as cross dressing ,  bisexuality and transexuality - from society's normative model of sexual identity , orientation and activities. 

 Queer as a term :- 

   The term 'Queer' was Originally derogatory, used to stigmatize male and female same sex- love as deviant and unnatural; since the early 1990s , however, it has been adapted by gays and lesbians themselves as a noninvidious term to identify a way of life and an area for scholarly inquiry. 

  Both lesbian studies and gay studies began as "liberation movements" - in parallel with the movements for African- American and feminist liberation - during the anti - vietnam War, anti - estalblishment , and countercultural ferment of the late 1960s and 1970s. Since that time these studies have maintained a close relation to the activists who strive to achieve for gays and lesbians, Political , legal and economic rights equal to those of the heterosexual majority. 

 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. 

There has, however been a growing recognition ( signalized by the adaptation of the joint term Queer)  of the degree to which the two groups share a history as a suppressed minority and possess common Political and social aims.

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

 Queer theory explores issues of sexuality and identity. It discusses how these identities are formed and how much of the binaries humans adhere to are actually socially constructed. Queer theory encourages exploration beyond the binds of cisgender and heterosexual existence. Queer theorists analyse sexuality and identity outside of stereotypes and traditional perceptions. As it emerged as an academic discipline, queer theory became a whole new way to consider human sexuality and identity without restrictions or boundaries.

  The rainbow flag or pride flag is a Symbol of LGBT Pride and LGBT Social movements. The colors reflect the diversity of the LGBT community and the Spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Using a rainbow flag as a symbol of LGBT Pride began in san Francisco, California but eventually became common at LGBT rights and events worldwide. 

  Definition :- 

 -   "Queer theory and Politics necessarily celebrate transgression in the form of visible difference from norms. These 'Norms' are then exposed to be norms, not natures or inevitabilities. Gender and Sexual identities are seen , in much of this work , to be demonstratbly defiant definitions and configurations.

                             - Jay Stewart.

-   According to Merriam Webster Dictionary , "Queer theory is an approach to literary and cultural study that rejects traditional categories of gender and Sexuality. "

 Queer Theory : Main ideas :- 

  Queer theory is a broad area of literary criticism with many different avenues, but there are some things that the majority of queer theory has in common.

1. Questioning established norms: Queer theory challenges stereotypical ideas that everyone is cisgender and heterosexual. They expand upon the wide varieties of sexuality and gender identity.

2. Stereotypes as social constructs: Most queer theorists argue that traditional conceptions of sexuality and gender are socially constructed. How humans develop is highly based on the environment around them and the influences they receive.

3. Critiquing powerful institutions: Another important tenant of queer theory is dismantling hierarchies. The lens of queer theory is used to criticise those in power and how they may be operating in a discriminatory or restrictive way.

4. Exploration of LGBTQ+ life: Queer theory also sheds light on the often untold stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. This normalises these stories and fights oppression.

5. Challenging binaries: Queer theory deconstructs traditional binaries that are placed upon sexuality and gender by society. It instead argues that humans are much more fluid than this, and this should be explored, not demonised.

  Lesbian Gay Criticism, often associated with Queer theory, explores literature and cultural texts through a queer lens, examining  representation , identity and Power dynamics. Society's reaction has evolved over time. Initially met with resistance, it has gained acceptance as Conversations around LGBTQ+ issues have become more mainstream. Stil, resistance Persist. 

Society's outlook towards Queer theory varies widely. While there is increasing acceptance and understanding, Some segments may still hold orthodox and conservative views. That is why it is important to highlight the challenges. 

  □ Major theorists and their Works :- 

 1. Judith Butler

 Judith Butler is a seminal and foundational figure in queer theory. She is also key in the realm of women's studies. Her 1990 text  "Gender Trouble : Feminism and the subversion of identity" is thought to have been essential in queer theory developing as an academic discipline. 

  Her text described the categories of gender and of sexuality as performative, in the sense that the features which a cultural discourse institutes as masculine or feminine, heterosexual or homosexual, the discourse also makes happen, by establishing an identity that the socialized individual assimilates and the patterns of behavior that he or she proceeds to enact. Homosexuality, by this View, is not a Particular identity that effects a pattern of action, but a socially pre- established pattern of action that produces the effect of originating in a Particular identity.

Judith Butler's analysis of Gender as flexible and undefinable has been key in the development of queer theories on gender and identity. Queer theory expands on traditional conceptions of gender. It explores gender as a fluid and ever-changing concept, not confining it to one singular thing. It challenges the idea that gender can ever be binary.

2. Barbara smith

Toward A Black Feminist Criticism - book, originally Published in the year 1977 and written by Barbara Smith, an African critic who believed that ever since the beginning of feminism, white women’s conditions have improved and have also got their place in the male dominant society, they have also been given political rights but there has been no significant improvement in the condition of the black women.

So, Barbara Smith and similar writers raised their voices against it and stated that black women should also be given a specific place because their life experience is different from that of white women, so the conditions of both white and black women cannot be described in the same manner.

3. Ann Allen shockley

Ann Allen shockley is an American journalist, editor, and author , Specialising in themes of interracial lesbian love, especially the plight of black lesbians.

" The Black Lesbian in American Literature : An Overview" Sustained debate among queer theorists concerns the risk of a radical constructionism, which would dissolve a lesbian or gay identity into a linguistic and discursive product specific to a particular culture, as against the need to affirm a special and enduring type of human identity, in order to signalize and celebrate it, as well as to establish a basis for concerted political action.

4. Diana fuss

Diana Fuss is a Professor of literature, film and Feminist studies. Her book inside / out Lesbian Theories, Gay theories. Lesbians and gays have gone from "coming out," to "acting up," to "outing," meanwhile radically redefining society's views on sexuality and gender. Inside/Out shifts the focus from sex to sexual orientation, provoking a reconsideration of the concepts of the sexual and the political.

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 Queer studies in literature :-

Queer study examines how literature represent and contribute to the understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences. I will discuss some examples from literature. That works have been

Subjects of lesbian and Gay Criticism , addressing themes of love , Identity and societal norms. These examples showcase the diversity and Perspectives within LGBTQ+ literature.

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

Orlando, a novel by Virginia Woolf, is often considered an example in queer studies due to its exploration of gender identity and fluidity. The protagonist, Orlando, undergoes a mysterious gender transformation and lives for centuries, experiencing different historical periods. This allows Woolf to examine the constructed nature of gender roles and societal expectations, making it a significant text for queer theorists exploring concepts of identity and the fluidity of gender over time.

2. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit ( Novel ) :-

"Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" by Jeanette Winterson is often studied in the context of queer literature due to its exploration of the protagonist's lesbian identity. The novel delves into themes of sexual orientation, societal expectations, and the challenges of embracing one's true self within a conservative environment. It offers a narrative that contributes to the understanding of queer experiences and has been influential in discussions within the field of queer studies.

3. Call Me by Your Name ( Novel) by Andre Aciman :-

"Call Me by Your Name" can be considered an example of queer studies due to its exploration of sexuality and identity, focusing on a same-sex romance. The novel, written by André Aciman, delves into the complexities of desire and self-discovery. The film adaptation, directed by Luca Guadagnino, further brings these themes to life visually, contributing to discussions within the realm of queer cinema and LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Examples of Queer studies in Cinema :-

Cinema has Played a vital role in exploring themes related to Lesbian Gay Criticism ( LGBTQ+ Criticism) by Providing a Platform to represent diverse experiences and Perspectives. We can say that cinema serves as both a mirror and a catalyst for societal change, allowing for the exploration and critique of LGBTQ+ themes, contributing to a more inclusive and accepting cultural landscape. Here , I will discuss some examples from cinema as well.

1. Aligarh (2015) film :-

Aligarh , based on the real life story of a Gay Professor facing discrimination.  This Film can be considered an example of Queer Studies as it delves into the life of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University, who faced discrimination due to his sexual orientation. The film explores themes of identity, stigma, and the struggle for acceptance, providing a lens through which to analyze societal attitudes towards queer individuals. It contributes to the discourse on queer rights and challenges, making it relevant for Queer Studies discussions. 

 2. Kapoor & Sons ( 2016) movie :- 

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

3. Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan ( 2020) Film

"Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan" is a Bollywood film that focuses on LGBTQ+ themes, particularly addressing the societal challenges faced by same-sex couples in India. The movie explores the complexities and stereotypes surrounding queer relationships, aiming to raise awareness and promote understanding. It combines humor with a message to challenge societal norms and promote inclusivity.

4. The Married Woman ( Drama Series) :-

The Married Woman is an Indian Drama Series based on Manju Kapoor's novel of  the same name. Certainly! These drama series could be analyzed through a queer theory lens, exploring how it addresses and challenges traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and relationships. The show might question societal norms and expectations, offering a perspective that goes beyond the conventional understanding of marriage and relationships, thus aligning with the principles of queer theory. 

5. Ek Ladki ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga :- 

 

 This film depicted the narrative of a same sex love relationship. It is about an sweety chaudhary, an innocent cheerful girl born and raised in traditional Punjabi household. The film showed sweety's family and society's strong rejection towards homosexuality. Sweety is reunited with her love kuhu at the end of the film. 

 6. Modern Love Mumbai ( Season 1 ) [ Episode 2] 

  Modern Love Mumbai is an Indian Hindi - language romantic Comedy anthology exploring six unique yet universal stories of human connection and love in its varied forms. 

In the second episode named Baai. In that Manzu, a Gay man who grew up in a conservative household, is torn between the love of his partner and Baai , his ailing and ever doting grandmother.

 

  Real Life Example :- 

   Manvendar singh Gohil ( born 23rd September, 1965)  is an indian prince , being the son and Probable heir of the honorary Maharaja of Rajpipla. He is Considered to be the first openly gay prince in the world , and he is known for being one of India's foremost LGBT activists. He runs a charity Lakshya Trust, which works with the LGBT community. 

Conclusion :-   To Conclude, Queer theory challenges traditional views on gender and sexuality, emphasizing fluidity and resisting fixed categories. It critiques societal norms, advocates for inclusivity, and explores the intersectionality of identities, fostering a more nuanced understanding of human experiences.

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