Queer Studies

The interdisciplinary field of queer studies asserts that distinctions between sexual orientations (heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual) and genders (masculine, feminine) are socially constructed, rather than innate human characteristics. Queer theorists hold that these constructed categories have been exploited to legitimize some expressions of sexuality and gender over others, resulting in unequal distributions of resources, power, and privilege among heterosexuals and men. By challenging the validity of categorical sexualities and genders, queer studies works against imposed injustices based on perceptions of normal versus deviant sexualities and genders. Apart from queer studies, queer theory—a branch of critical theory—is the analytical lens through which queer studies interrogates the social constructs of gender and sexuality. Queer studies and queer theory are purposefully self-conscious and evolving, resisting establishing norms that may replicate systems of unearned privilege and power.