Discuss how Queer Theory has challenged the theory and politics of Essay

Discuss how Queer Theory has challenged the theory and politics of feminism and lesbian and gay studies - Essay Example It has acted as the key driver of reforms and development that is female-oriented. The interests of feminism are not limited to social aspects. It cuts across social, cultural, economic aspects. Its main is to achieve equity between men and women, leading to the realization of opportunities that distributed equally between genders. Sexual identities have also taken the same direction as that taken by feminism. Although the advocacy in this case may be different, the crucial aspect to account of is sexual rights. Lesbian and gay studies have been conducted over the years. As this is done, there are emerging and changing trends in sexual identities in both and women (Green, 2007, p.26-45). Lesbians and gays have in the contemporary world become outspoken, demanding rights of recognition and identification. While some nations have embraced their demands, others have remained adamant on the illegality of the two. However, the fact that lesbians and gays are part and parcel of many societ ies in the world cannot be refuted. Queer theory is the central focus in the analysis of feminism and sexual identities, especially when it comes to lesbians and gays. Numerous studies have argued in favour or against queer theory, but it is evident that its influence in these dealings in inevitable, given the current position of feminism, lesbian and gay scenarios in the world. Queer theory traces its emergence in the 1990s, based on women studies. This theory evaluates feminism and identifies the underlying challenges in feminism. However, it not fixed to feminism theories, as it expounds its boundaries beyond the natural or unnatural. It therefore identifies that sexual identities are constructed socially through the gender aspect of the society. Studies outside the queer the theory suggest that gay and lesbian studies stems from the natural and/or unnatural aspect of a society. Queer theory on the other hand makes an extensive focus into sexual activities and identities, introdu cing normative and deviant acts or activities that are sexually based. The position held by queer theory in feminism, lesbian and gay studies is subject to challenge these studies now and in future. Challenges to these studies emanate from the continuous critique and contribution of queer theory. Studies are basically built on theories and arguments of other scholars. In order to effectively draw relevant inferences to studies, and further come up with a study that can be adopted as a reliable reference, it is important to account for the claims presented by other scholars in and outside that field. Social identities and structures are held as the primary functionality mechanisms of feminism. Queer theory is opposed to this argument, thereby holding radical change as a limited in that agenda. As a result, studies that come in that line are divided, some argument for and others against. Striking a balance to derive an optimal argument is therefore a challenge. This is because all the se arguments are backed up by relevant evidence that is drawn from real social life and sexual identities of different groups in the society. Queer theory argues that sexuality is more fluid than it is already expressed by feminism, lesbian and gay studies. It holds that sexuality is not a constrained binary of heterosexual or homosexual acts and identities (Turner, 2000, p.106-107). Theory and politics of feminism, lesbian and gay studies is consistently being forced to encompass aspects that did not factor in in its interests before.