New Books in LGBTQ+ Studies

Author and cultural historian Sara Marcus discusses her new book on political disappointment and its role in shaping American culture. She explores works by prominent figures like W. E. B. Du Bois, Charles Chesnutt, and Adrienne Rich that express the anguish of different eras. The podcast also delves into the changing political analysis of the Communist Party in the 1930s and explores the origins of backlash against second wave feminism.

Tracy Rutler, author of Queering the Enlightenment, explores how French literature in the 18th century resisted heteronormativity. She analyzes works by Prévost, Crébillion, Marivaux, and Graffigny that questioned patriarchal power and relations. Rutler examines themes of reproduction, masculinity, marriage, and same-sex community, offering unique readings informed by philosophers and theorists such as Foucault and Rancière.

Guests Dana Berkowitz et al. discuss their book 'Male Femininities' which explores how men perform femininity. They discuss topics such as marketing Botox to men, the limitations of subverting embodied male femininities, and the impact of male femininity in different contexts.

Hongwei Bao, a guest on the podcast, analyzes queer theatre and performance in contemporary China, discussing various forms of queer performance, including music, film, theatre, and political activism. The podcast explores the importance of performance for queer identity and community formation, challenging heteronormative social relations and hegemonic narratives. Topics covered include the personal journey of discovering queer identity in China, comparing two queer films, queer activism through art and culture, and queer Chinese artists' digital performance during the pandemic.

Avery Dame-Griff discusses how the internet shaped transgender identity and activism, exploring the transition from print newsletters to digital communication, the impact of walled gardens on internet usage, and the positive impact of online platforms for transgender youth.

Margaret Galvan discusses her book exploring queer and feminist visual culture in the 1980s, highlighting grassroots and university archives. The podcast explores LGBTQ comics, artistic production, women in underground comics, the work of Gloria Anzaldúa, and Nan Goldin's photography documenting LGBTQ community in the 80s.

Author and music analyst, Chris Molanphy, discusses Lil Nas X's song 'Old Town Road' and its impact on pop history. They explore the history and evolution of Billboard charts, the collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus, the debate about race and genre, and the challenges Lil Nas X may face in maintaining his success. They also discuss his coming out as a gay artist and his knack for creating viral music across genres.

Patrick E. Horrigan, author of 'American Scholar,' explores themes of memory, queer love, and the AIDS epidemic. The guest discusses the inspiration behind their novel based on a personal relationship and uncanny parallels with a famous academic. They also delve into the significance of sex scenes, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the role of place in the novel. Additionally, Patrick Horrigan shares insights into his upcoming novel about a piano teacher and her student's musical journey in the 1970s.

Jacob Bloomfield, author of a groundbreaking study on male drag performance in modern Britain, discusses the history of drag in the late 19th century, its role in popular culture and resistance, the importance of placing drag performances in historical context, the research process, and upcoming project on Little Richard.

Andy Hunter, founder and CEO of Bookshop.org, discusses the creation of an indie alternative to Amazon called bookshop. They explore how bookshop.org helps independent bookstores survive, the challenges faced in launching and maintaining an online bookshop, and their future plans to make systemic changes in the book industry.