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LGBT Studies

Guide to Resources for the study of LGBT History at Washington and Jefferson College

The Slipperiness of Words

 

Queer history and theory draws on multiple critical and cultural contexts, including feminism, post-structuralist theory, radical movements of people of color, the gay and lesbian movements, postcolonialism, AIDS activism, and many sexual subcultural practices such as sadomasochism.

 

Terminology in this field is frequently evolving, therefore it is essential to consult with the Queer community when seeking terminology. One such source is Homosaurus, international Liked Data Vocabulary, designed to enhance broad subject term vocabularies for use by academics and information specialists - but useful to all or the LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Safe Zone for a quick and useable index of terms.

 

What does research look like in this discipline?

Once you have considered your keywords, as with all areas of historical study, LGBT history can be explored in the following steps. 

an infographic of the research process. The graphic is a curve around a light bulb representing the cyclical nature of the process.