2. Queer Theory “A field of gender studies that suggests one’s gender and sexuality can’t be defined or categorized. The identity of a person consists of a wide variety of parts which makes everyone individual rather then part of a group” UNQUE IDENITY
3. Gender Some believe that things that are seen as ‘gender appropriate’ are traits that are biologically built into us which forms our society and what groups find ‘normal’. Butler teaches that everyone is individual in how they choose to act or behave. This is not biological. She says that we have created an idea of what is gender acceptable rather than our gender being from our biological sex.
4. Although Butler claims that language itself limits how we find self narration, there are still questions we can ask... Questions need to be asked so that you are able to give ‘self narration’ and understand the true construction of our self's. Who are you? This suggests that there are many parts or ‘others’ that forms our self and who we truly are. This is the first question we asked. This enables us to understand our ‘other’ self which therefore gives us a deeper meaning of identity.
5. Queer theory & Society This particular theory has a big impact on how people respond to gender identity. People are no longer conforming to the idea of that gender is who we are and we cannot change that. This is shown through the statistics of people seeking sex changes which is approximately 1 in 65, 000 Even though this statistic is very small, it highlights the fact that people’s gender is not who they are. Since 2005 in the UK civil partnership is now showing an acceptance towards gay couples and giving them rights to a marriage.
6. Queer theory & Media Before the 1980’s homosexuality was not a theme that was shown in mainstream media texts. Programmes such Ellen, Will and Grace and Queer as folk were the first of a long list to portray homosexual characters. These themes have increased over the years ranging from Queer eye for the straight guy to hit films such as The kids are all right. Queer Cinema was around in the 1990’s which portrayed a number of different homosexual identities going against conventions and ‘the norms’.
7. Will and Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IiTyiWZggM&feature=related
8. Will and Grace Jack: He mainly represents the typical stereotype of homosexuals which is camp, feminine and comfortable with his sexuality. Audiences judge Jack to be homosexual as this is the usual main stream representation of them. HOWEVER Will: He is challenging conventions by being represented as straight through his clothes and mannerism even though he is attracted to men. This is the less exaggerated representation which was not very common on main stream television during the beginning of the series. This shows a contrast between both representations of homosexuals and showing that the person controls who they are, not their gender.
