Queer Theory

Basic Concepts with LINKS

Otherising - Gender traits are assigned based on a binary that sorts human characteristics which are universal and equally distributed among the population of humans (i.e. dominance/submission, aggression/passivity, leadership/compliance, instrumental/receptivity) into two categories (male/female) while simultaneously distributing and maintaining power within the favored half of the binary and otherising and disempowering the abject side of the binary. Said, Edward. (1977). “Orientalism.”

Gender is a Construct - This narrative or construct commences at the birth of the individual and is reinforced consistently to produce beliefs that it is “natural.” (Examples: blue/pink, tough/princess, dirty/dainty). West, Candace and Zimmerman, Don H. (1987). “Doing Gender.”

Intersex is a reality - A certain percentage of human beings are born with intersex traits – their chromosomes and / or genitals that do not fit in a traditional binary concept of sex. Assigning a gender to these individuals requires that the intersex person conform to the arbitrary decision of a doctor or parents who believe there can only be two sexes. Intersex Society of North America. (2008). “What is Intersex?”

Identity is a choice - Identity is a creation of the mind, not a natural condition conferred by the biology (dis/ability, sex, skin color, etc.) or the circumstances of one’s birth (class, religion, nation of origin, etc.) Wikipedia. (2016). “Identity (Social Science).”