New Books in LGBTQ+ Studies

Jafari S. Allen, author of 'There's a Disco Ball Between Us: A Theory of Black Gay Life,' discusses the emergence of Black gay culture, the fluidity of the long 1980s, and the importance of exploring overlooked works in understanding black queer relationships and black lives in anthropology and social science.

Nessette Falu discusses gynecology's erasure of Black lesbian subjecthood in Brazil. They explore the trauma caused by interactions with gynecologists and how Black lesbians actively pursue well-being and social change. Falu rethinks medicalization of race, sex, and gender, examining the daily resistance and worth-making practices of Black queer identity.

Daniel Shank Cruz, an individual exploring literature's role in society through Mennonite literature, discusses how literature can help us navigate crises like the pandemic, climate change, and global fascism. They introduce the concept of theapoetics and discuss its application to queer and decolonial thinking. The podcast also explores the significance of Mennonite literature, the relationship between literature and the Divine, and the transformative power of reading.

Dr. James Cummings explores the everyday lives of gay men in Hainan, China, discussing topics such as self-identity, social networks, and the impact of technology. The guest highlights the importance of understanding the concept of the 'scene' and how it aids in a sense of belonging. They also delve into the methodological power of uncertainty and discuss future research on topics like aging and non-heterosexuality in China.

Michelle J. Manno, author of 'Denied: Women, Sports, and the Contradictions of Identity,' discusses the pressures faced by women athletes in conforming to societal expectations of gender, sexuality, and race. These athletes are policed, banned from certain activities, and punished for behaviors that challenge these expectations. The podcast explores topics such as aggressive coaching styles, stereotypes surrounding women athletes, and the significance of women's sports in society.

Anne E. Linton, author of 'Unmaking Sex: The Gender Outlaws of Nineteenth-Century France', discusses the complex relationship between intersex bodies and their portrayal in medical cases and literature during 19th-century France. The podcast explores the historical terminology for intersex individuals, the untold intersex story of Erykchodin Balbon, societal understanding of intersexuality, the significance of clothing in representing gender, and the balance between revolutionary narratives and heteronormativity in literature.

"Anders als die Andern", a groundbreaking film released in 1919, is discussed in this podcast. The film's depiction of queer love shocked audiences and faced conservative opposition. The podcast explores the film's connection to the pre-Stonewall homosexual rights movement in Germany and its importance in advocating for the normalization and decriminalization of homosexuality. The speaker also analyzes the film's portrayal of sadness and its potential for intergenerational queer struggle. Additionally, the podcast touches on the speaker's personal and academic projects related to queer life and media theory."

Ramona Dima, author of 'Queer Culture in Romania, 1920–2018,' discusses LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance in Romania, censorship of queer culture during communism, a tense lesbian relationship in a Romanian film, tension and intersectionality in Romania, and the challenges and future of queer culture in Romania.

Simon Joyce, writer and author on LGBT Victorians in the 19th century, discusses revisiting gender and sexual identity in Victorian era. The podcast explores the tension within the LGBTQ+ movement, advocacy for gay rights in 19th-century Germany, the evolution of classification systems for sexuality and gender, historical records of gender identity and acceptance, the decline of dominant superpowers and gender incoherence, identity struggles and repression in 19th-century desires.

Guest Samuel Clowes Huneke discusses his book 'A Queer Theory of the State' and explores bridging queer theory with the practicalities of the state. They delve into themes of gender, sexuality, legal history, and democracy. Huneke examines the influence of history and German culture on queer theory, discussing their experiences studying history, German, and influences like Klaus Manton. They explore the tension of normativity in queer theory and politics, critiques of progress made with initiatives like marriage equality, and skepticism of universality. The role of pragmatism in queer theory and politics is examined, along with the potential for working with the state to challenge oppressive norms and create political progress. Huneke also discusses their current research project on queer women in Nazi Germany.