I. Core Concepts and Theories
- Defining and Deconstructing Terms: Exploring the evolving definitions, nuances, and interrelations of "LGBTQIA+", "gender," "sexuality," "identity," "sex," "expression," "orientation," "romantic attraction," and "intersectionality."
- Queer Theory: Critiques of heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and binary systems; deconstruction of established categories of gender and sexuality.
- Feminist Theories: Intersections of various feminist waves and approaches (e.g., Black feminism, decolonial feminism, transfeminism) with queer and trans studies.
- Intersectionality: Analyzing how multiple social and political identities (race, class, disability, religion, nationality, age, etc.) combine to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression within LGBTQ+ communities.
- Identity Formation and Development: Psychological, sociological, and cultural processes of developing, understanding, and affirming gender, sexual, and other identities across the lifespan.
- Critical Theory and Social Justice: Applying critical frameworks to understand and challenge power structures, discrimination, and inequalities affecting LGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals.
II. Histories and Archival Studies
- LGBTQ+ Histories: Documenting and interpreting historical movements, figures, communities, and events across different global contexts and time periods.
- Transgender History: Tracing the history of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming identities and experiences across cultures and historical eras.
- Queer Archiving and Memory: Strategies for preserving and accessing LGBTQ+ histories, oral histories, and cultural heritage, especially those that have been marginalized or erased.
- Hidden and Suppressed Histories: Uncovering erased or undocumented narratives of gender and sexual diversity.
- Influence of Cultural Norms: Examining how societal attitudes, scientific understandings, and cultural norms have shaped perceptions, regulations, and experiences of gender and sexuality throughout history.
- Global and Transnational Histories: Comparing and contrasting LGBTQ+ and gender histories across different nations and cultures.
III. Social and Cultural Dynamics
- Representation in Media and Arts: Analysis of LGBTQ+, gender diverse, and sexually diverse representation in film, television, literature, theatre, music, visual arts, gaming, and digital media.
- Queer Performance and Activist Art: Exploring the role of artistic expression and performance in challenging norms, advocating for social change, and building community.
- Language and Identity: The politics of language, use of gender-neutral language and pronouns, and evolving vocabulary around gender, sexuality, and identity.
- Cultural Norms and Attitudes: Cross-cultural comparisons of LGBTQ+ acceptance, traditional gender roles, and evolving social dynamics globally.
- Religion, Spirituality, and Faith: Intersections of faith with LGBTQ+ identities, interpretations of sacred texts, inclusion and exclusion within religious communities, and theologies of liberation.
- Digital Spaces and Online Communities: How online platforms and social media shape identity formation, community building, activism, dating, and experiences of both affirmation and discrimination.
- Sports and Athletics: Inclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes, gender policies in sports, and challenging cisnormative and heteronormative structures in athletic environments.
- Fashion and Body Image: Exploring gender expression through clothing, the impact of beauty standards, and body positivity movements within LGBTQ+ communities.
IV. Politics, Law, and Human Rights
- LGBTQ+ Rights and Activism: Global and local movements for equality, anti-discrimination laws, policy changes, and legal advancements in areas like marriage, employment, and housing.
- Transgender Rights: Legal recognition of gender identity, access to gender-affirming care, anti-discrimination protections, and challenges to bathroom bills and sports bans.
- Anti-LGBTQ+ Backlash and Resistance: Analyzing conservative movements, discriminatory legislation, and strategies for counteracting them (e.g., "Don't Say Gay" laws, anti-trans legislation).
- Gender-Based Violence: Understanding and addressing violence rooted in gender and sexual identity, including intimate partner violence, hate crimes, and violence against trans and gender non-conforming individuals (e.g., femicide, transphobic violence).
- International Law and Human Rights: Global perspectives on LGBTQ+ and gender rights, the role of international bodies, and cross-border advocacy efforts.
- Economic Justice and Labor Rights: Discrimination in the workplace, economic empowerment, pay gaps, and fair labor practices for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Politics of Recognition and Visibility: Debates around representation in government, public spaces, and official discourse.
V. Health and Well-being
- LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Addressing higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide ideation in LGBTQ+ populations; developing culturally competent and affirming mental health care.
- Transgender Healthcare: Access to gender-affirming care (hormone therapy, surgeries), mental health support for transition, and overcoming barriers in healthcare systems.
- Sexual Health: Comprehensive sexual education, STI prevention, and promoting sexual well-being in diverse sexual populations, including Asexual and Aromantic individuals.
- Reproductive Justice: Intersections of reproductive rights with gender and sexual identity, access to fertility treatments, and family planning for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Aging and LGBTQ+ Identity: Experiences of older LGBTQ+ adults, unique challenges, social support networks, and long-term care needs.
- Disability Justice and Intersectional Health: Examining health disparities and access to care for disabled LGBTQ+ individuals, and building inclusive healthcare systems.
- HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ+ Community: Historical impact, ongoing prevention efforts, treatment advancements, and destigmatization.
VI. Education and Pedagogy
- Inclusive Education: Creating safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces in K-12 schools and higher education for LGBTQ+ and gender diverse students.
- Curriculum Development: Integrating LGBTQ+ and gender studies into various academic disciplines, from literature and history to STEM.
- Anti-Bullying and Discrimination Prevention: Strategies to combat prejudice, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in educational settings.
- Supporting Gender Non-Conforming Children and Transgender Youth in Schools: Best practices for names, pronouns, facilities access, and creating supportive environments.
- Teacher Training and Professional Development: Equipping educators to address topics of gender, sexuality, and identity with sensitivity and accuracy.
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Education: Developing comprehensive and affirming sex education programs.
VII. Family, Relationships, and Community
- Diverse Family Structures: Exploring same-sex parenting, adoption, chosen families, and other non-traditional family formations.
- Relationships and Partnerships: Dynamics of same-sex, non-binary, and other diverse relationships; consent, intimacy, and communication.
- Coming Out Processes: Diverse experiences of coming out, social support, and challenges across different cultural contexts and ages.
- Community Building and Spaces: The importance of physical and digital spaces for LGBTQ+ community, activism, and cultural expression.
- Intergenerational Dialogues: Bridging generational gaps within LGBTQ+ communities, learning from elders, and mentoring youth.
VIII. Specific Identities and Experiences
- Bisexuality/Pansexuality: Addressing biphobia, invisibility, and unique experiences of attraction to multiple genders.
- Asexuality and Aromanticism: Understanding these identities, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting visibility and inclusion.
- Non-Binary and Genderqueer Identities: Exploring experiences outside the gender binary, navigation of a binary world, and evolving language and social recognition.
- Intersex Experiences: Understanding the diversity of sex characteristics, bodily autonomy, and advocacy against non-consensual medical interventions.
- Queer People of Color (QPOC): Centering the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color within LGBTQ+ communities, addressing racial discrimination and systemic inequalities.
- LGBTQ+ Immigrants and Refugees: Unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum or migrating across borders.
- Disability and Queerness: Intersections of disability with gender and sexual identity, and disability justice in LGBTQ+ spaces.
