Amy Tooth Murphy et al., "New Directions in Queer Oral History: Archives of Disruption" (Routledge, 2022)
Jun 23, 2023
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Discover the vibrant field of queer oral history with insights on diverse identities, challenges in LGBTQ oral history discourse, and the importance of recognizing bisexuality. Dive into the complexities of queer temporality, the significance of butch lesbian identity, and the excitement for future oral history projects.
Queer oral history serves as a vital methodology in queer studies, offering diverse perspectives from scholars, researchers, and activists.
Disruptive interview methodologies and queer theory help unveil marginalized narratives in history overlooked by mainstream accounts.
Exploration of queer temporality challenges traditional narrative structures, emphasizing fluidity and diverse temporal experiences.
Deep dives
Exploring New Directions in Queer Oral History
This podcast episode delves into the comprehensive international collection titled 'New Directions in Queer Oral History,' which reflects on the methodology and innovation of queer oral history, emphasizing its roots in history from below. The collection discusses the importance of queer oral history as a methodology within queer studies, showcasing contributions from various scholars, researchers, and activists to enhance its accessibility and appeal.
Defining Queer Oral History and Its Methodology
The episode examines the concept of queer oral history and its distinction from LGBTQ oral history. It focuses on employing queer methodology to capture gender and sexual nonconformity throughout history. By using disruptive practices in interview methodology and incorporating queer theory, the collection aims to uncover marginalized narratives often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts.
Challenging Chrononormativity Through Queer Temporality
Within the discussion of queer temporality, the podcast explores the notion of time in queer history, disrupting conventional life narrative structures. It questions the imposition of chrononormativity and the narrative expectations placed on individuals, particularly in the LGBTQ community. By emphasizing fluid composure and embracing diverse temporal experiences, the podcast reconsiders how queer oral history challenges traditional temporal frameworks.
Examining the Complexity of Shared Authority in Oral History
The episode delves into the practice of sharing authority in oral history projects, addressing ethical considerations and power dynamics between interviewers and participants. By exploring case studies on co-creation with narrators and community members, it navigates the complexities of collaborative storytelling and ethical responsibilities. Discussions on working with students, marginalized communities, and unconventional narratives highlight the nuances of sharing authority in diverse oral history contexts.
Navigating Themes of Co-Production and Ethical Considerations
The final section of the podcast episode focuses on the co-production of narratives and ethical dilemmas in oral history projects. It showcases examples of collaborative projects with artists, students, and marginalized groups to amplify diverse voices and perspectives. By intertwining creative practices with oral history methodologies, the episode reflects on the multifaceted nature of sharing authority and the ethical dimensions of narrative construction.
New Directions in Queer Oral History, edited by Amy Tooth Murphy, Clare Summerskill, and Emma Vickers (Routledge, 2022) is a comprehensive international collection that reflects on the practice, purpose, and functionality of queer oral history, and in doing so demonstrates the vibrancy and innovation of this rapidly evolving field. Drawing on the roots of oral history’s original commitment to "history from below" queer oral history has become an indispensable methodology at the heart of queer studies. Expanding and extending the existing canon, this book offers up key observations about queer oral history as a methodology, and how it might be advanced through cutting-edge approaches. The collection contains a mix of contributions from established scholars, early career researchers, postgraduate students, archivists, and activists, ensuring its accessibility and wide appeal.
Dr. Amy Tooth Murphy is Lecturer in Oral History at Royal Holloway, University of London, where her specialisations include queer oral history, post-war lesbian history of Britain, and oral history theory and method. She is a Trustee of the Oral History Society and a Co-Founder and Editor of the peer-reviewed blog, Notches: (re)marks on the history of sexuality.
Isabel Machado is a cultural historian whose work often crosses national and disciplinary boundaries.
