Queer theory

Queer theory is a field of post-structuralism that emerged in the early 1990s out of queer studies (often, formerly, gay and lesbian studies) and women's studies. The term can have various meanings depending upon its usage, but has broadly been associated with the study and theorisation of gender and sexual practices that exist outside of heterosexuality, and which challenge the notion that heterosexual desire is ‘normal’.

Quotes

• It is interesting to compare Queer Theory with Vedanta and Buddhism both of which consider linguistic categories as relative to our world of cognition. Categories are seen as constructed by the ego’s cognitive system. The relative realm we live in is the laukika /empirical realm. The paramarthika or absolute reality transcends all categories. In this sense, what Queer Theory is claiming has long ago been thoroughly explained in Indian thought.
  • Malhotra, R. & Viswanathan V. (2022). Snakes in the Ganga : Breaking India 2.0.

• We are in sympathy with the ideas of the Querists presented above. However, things don’t stop here. An important result of Queer Theory we note is that one cannot argue against them because they reject outright, any opponents using scientific and rational categories. Therefore, their discourse is more like the dogma of a Church, and it is blasphemy to challenge their thesis using evidence-based logic. We disagree and would like free speech. No discussion should be declared final and closed to further development.
  • Malhotra, R. & Viswanathan V. (2022). Snakes in the Ganga : Breaking India 2.0.

• Interestingly, in support of Queer Theory, in the Vedic system, Ishwar (God) is represented often as half male and half female, and a blurring of boundaries between masculinity and femininity even in the understanding of divinity. Therefore, what the Querists are saying has already been respected in the Indian tradition.
  • Malhotra, R. & Viswanathan V. (2022). Snakes in the Ganga : Breaking India 2.0.