Opacity - Minority - Improvisation - An Exploration of the Closet Through Queer Slangs and Postcolonial Theory

This performative book explores the proverbial closet through linguistics, queer, and postcolonial theory, examining eleven queer slangs from around the world as methods of survival and resistance. It combines theory, personal accounts, and art to offer an interdisciplinary reading of these slangs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

The act of coming out of the closet necessitates a comprehensive examination of the intricate interplay between language, notions, and social spaces, which together shape the identity of individuals who identify as queer. This captivating performative book, a testament to artistic research, delves into the concept of the proverbial closet through the lenses of linguistics, queer studies, and postcolonial theory. It serves as a project that embraces opacity, minority, and improvisation at every level, from content to analysis and typography.

Eleven queer slangs from diverse corners of the globe are brought together in this exploration, offering a unique perspective on queerness and knowledge from the margins. Through the use of autoethnography, Édouard Glissant's concept of opacity, José Muñoz's disidentifications, and Gloria Anzaldúa's performative writing, the book weaves together theory, personal narratives, and artistic expressions to provide an interdisciplinary interpretation of these slangs as queer modes of survival and resistance.

The text explores the complexities of language, identity, and society, challenging traditional notions of normativity and heteronormativity. It sheds light on the experiences of marginalized individuals and their creative strategies for navigating oppressive systems. By intertwining theory, personal accounts, and artistic representations, the book offers a rich and multi-dimensional understanding of the world of queer slang and its significance in shaping queer identities and communities.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 149 x 224 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837651331