LGBTQ History Part 3: The Trouble With Normal, by Michael Warner

Amy is joined by guest Matthew Nelson to continue their discussion of LGBTQ+ History. This is Part Three of Four and covers the queer theory of Michael Warner, heteronormative temporality, the drive to be normal, and the challenge of imagining a new social order.

Matthew Nelson currently serves as the Dean of the Sophomore class and teaches interdisciplinary courses in the History Department at Menlo School in Atherton, CA. He hopes to offer a seminar to Menlo students on queer theory and gender studies in the near future. Prior to these glorious years at Menlo, he was the chair of the Theology Department at the Woodside Priory School leading students in explorations of the history of religion, philosophy, and Benedictine Catholic spirituality. Matthew received his M.Div. from Harvard University and is striving to finish his studies in Stanford’s Master of Liberal Arts program. Matthew and his loving husband call their industrial loft in Oakland home.