ECS 203 Blog: Week 11

“As a Sort of Blanket Term”: Qualitative Analysis of Queer Sexual Identity Marking]: In what ways is queer sexual identity marking both similar to and distinct from other forms of sexuality marking? 

– I find it very interesting that the term queer as a sexual identity label can mean different things to different people, depending on the situation. Since sexual orientation and identity is such a multi-faceted concept, most people understand it through three different dimensions: attraction, behavior, identity, but these three alone still leave room for more. “Sexuality marking serves as a way to assert one’s sexuality to others through language. Behaviour, aesthetics, and/or other non-verbal cues” (Kolker, 1339). It is fascinating how sexual marking can vary in different forms, from wearing a pride flag, aesthetically gender non-conforming appearances, and calling our statement jokes such as “no homo.” Sexuality marking can be used to express whether an individual is gay or not. The term queer has a unique history and marking. “Queer not only refers to an identity label but a framework of thought though queer theory.”(Kolker,1340). Queer is the umbrella term that accepts anyone instead of assimilation to the norm.

[Queering Curriculum Studies]: What does integrating queerness into curriculum studies mean to you? What will it look like, sound like, feel like in your classroom?

– The depths of queerness in curriculum studies go farther than I could have imagined. Colonialism, white heteronormativity, and capitalism are all things I would not have expected to be involved in the queer curriculum. Queerness in the curriculum is essential because a classroom should be where all students feel comfortable and accepted. I want to have a classroom that includes inclusive discussion about queerness as well as inclusive literature. I would not want a classroom heavy with white heteronormativity.

[Post-gay, Political, and Pieced Together- Queer Expectations of Straight Allies]: This research suggests that the idea of allyship is not fixed but can vary within a marginalized population, having different meanings for different people. With this in mind, what are teacher implications for allyship?

• As a future teacher, implications surrounding allyship will be a topic of inclusion. Especially since within a classroom, you have a wide variety of students of all ethnicities.

– I find it very interesting that the term queer as a sexual identity label can mean different things to different people, depending on the situation. Since sexual orientation and identity is such a multi-faceted concept, most people understand it through three different dimensions: attraction, behavior, identity, but these three alone still leave room for more. “Sexuality marking serves as a way to assert one’s sexuality to others through language. Behaviour, aesthetics, and/or other non-verbal cues” (Kolker, 1339). It is fascinating how sexual marking can vary in different forms, from wearing a pride flag, aesthetically gender non-conforming appearances, and calling our statement jokes such as “no homo.” Sexuality marking can be used to express whether an individual is gay or not. The term queer has a unique history and marking. “Queer not only refers to an identity label but a framework of thought though queer theory.”(Kolker,1340). Queer is the umbrella term that accepts anyone instead of assimilation to the norm.

[Queering Curriculum Studies]: What does integrating queerness into curriculum studies mean to you? What will it look like, sound like, feel like in your classroom?

– The depths of queerness in curriculum studies go farther than I could have imagined. Colonialism, white heteronormativity, and capitalism are all things I would not have expected to be involved in the queer curriculum. Queerness in the curriculum is essential because a classroom should be where all students feel comfortable and accepted. I want to have a classroom that includes inclusive discussion about queerness as well as inclusive literature. I would not want a classroom heavy with white heteronormativity.

[Post-gay, Political, and Pieced Together- Queer Expectations of Straight Allies]: This research suggests that the idea of allyship is not fixed but can vary within a marginalized population, having different meanings for different people. With this in mind, what are teacher implications for allyship?

• As a future teacher, implications surrounding allyship will be a topic of inclusion. Especially since within a classroom, you have a wide variety of students of all ethnicities.