Keep Austin Queer: Performativity of Queer Space in Austin, Texas

Queer spaces can be physical or conceptual spaces, depending on the people who are occupying them. Austin, Texas is a city known for its progressive nature, even while being a city in the middle of Texas. That being said, Austin does not have an overabundance of physical queer spaces as other cities do. The existing literature on queer spaces discusses physical spaces such as clubs and bars, public space in the form of Pride or activist events, and cyber spaces such as social media, dating apps, and websites. However, the literature does not allow participants to offer their own definition and perception of queer spaces. This study utilizes qualitative in-depth interviews with members of the LGBTQIA+ community who live and/or occupy queer spaces in Austin. Additionally, this study utilizes ethnographic field notes and personal narratives collected throughout the research process to reinforce the findings. This study explores the way queer people in Austin define queer spaces, how queer spaces shape their self-expression and identity, and whether queer spaces can be created and/or transformed. Expanding on Judith Butler’s theory of “gender performativity,” the participants’ narratives highlight that notion queer space can be performed in such a way that allows queer space to be created anywhere and in abstract ways by anyone who is queer.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor

Texas State University

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Warren, Joshua E.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Romero, Rachel

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Majumdar, Debarun
• Koschoreck, James

• sexuality
• queer theory
• queer space
• LGBTQIA+

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/8465

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.txst.edu:10877/8465