Quortne Hutchings, an academic expanding ways of consuming and expressing Blackness, discusses Kiki Methodology in academic research influenced by the ballroom scene. They highlight challenges faced as a Black and queer researcher, emphasize the power of Black music in fostering connection, and share their experience with drag performance and recovery awareness.
Storytelling is crucial for sharing marginalized experiences in academia.
The Kiki methodology provides a platform for authentic representation of black queer voices.
Deep dives
Q. Courtney Hutchings' Research Focus and Work in Higher Education
Q. Courtney Hutchings, an assistant professor of higher education at Northern Illinois University, primarily explores the intersections of blackness and queerness in higher education. Hutchings delves into storytelling as a key component of academic discourse, aiming to share the marginalized experiences of black LGBTQ+ individuals in educational spaces, challenging traditional narratives. By using a storytelling approach, Hutchings seeks to disrupt conventional academic norms through publishing and other avenues, shedding light on stories that have often been overlooked or silenced in academia.
Kiki Methodology: A New Storytelling Approach
Hutchings introduces the Kiki methodology, rooted in the vibrant dialogues of black queer and trans communities, particularly within the ballroom scene. Derived from a need for authentic black queer storytelling, the methodology aims to provide a platform for marginalized voices. By harnessing the power of personal narrative and communal engagement, the Kiki methodology offers a fresh perspective on academic research, incorporating diverse experiences that often go unrecognized in traditional scholarship.
Reception and Impact of Kiki Methodology in Academia
The Kiki methodology has garnered positive reception among higher education scholars and academic communities, with individuals expressing interest in incorporating this innovative storytelling approach into their research and publications. Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, encouraging others to adopt and adapt the methodology to amplify underrepresented voices in academic discourse. The methodology's success lies in its ability to resonate with black queer and trans individuals by providing a platform for authentic representation and narrative agency.
Challenges and Responses to Academic Publishing
Hutchings discusses the challenges faced in academic publishing, particularly in explaining terminology related to Black queer vernacular and cultural references. While navigating the revisions process, Hutchings highlights the importance of maintaining the authenticity of the work, resisting pressures to conform to mainstream academic standards. By advocating for narratives that truly represent black queer experiences, Hutchings aims to create a space where marginalized voices are not diluted or misrepresented, ensuring that academic discourse remains inclusive and reflective of diverse identities.
Friend of the pod, Quortne Hutchings joins us to talk about a Kiki Methodology. They are one of the voices helping to expand the ways this work is consumed and giving us more ways to express and understand a fuller spectrum of Blackness.