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violetends's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Read for an exam. This was a comprehensive and easily readable overview of the development of queer theories. The book looks at numerous influential theorists from those that are obvious choices (e.g. Butler, Foucault, Freud) to others who did not write about sexuality, desire or gender but whose writing influenced those who did and society in it's treatment of these issues (e.g. Derrida).
The historic part of the book that recollects significant events of anglo-american queerness and its theories is well written. Since the book was published in the 2000s though, it felt a little unsatisfying. So much has happened since then.
My largest criticism though is that the book claims to be about queer theories but ultimately only concerns itself with homosexuality. Trans identities are only briefly mentioned a couple of times, even when discussing events that are vital to trans history (e.g. the Stonewall Riots). Bisexuality, asexuality or other sexual orientations also feel sidelined and are only occasionally discussed for a paragraph.
I think overall, this is a great overview over queer theories much more than queer histories.
The historic part of the book that recollects significant events of anglo-american queerness and its theories is well written. Since the book was published in the 2000s though, it felt a little unsatisfying. So much has happened since then.
My largest criticism though is that the book claims to be about queer theories but ultimately only concerns itself with homosexuality. Trans identities are only briefly mentioned a couple of times, even when discussing events that are vital to trans history (e.g. the Stonewall Riots). Bisexuality, asexuality or other sexual orientations also feel sidelined and are only occasionally discussed for a paragraph.
I think overall, this is a great overview over queer theories much more than queer histories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Sexism, Terminal illness, Police brutality, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Sexual violence and Transphobia