My mind is stuck in the process of designing the methodology of my research: I have spent the first two months attempting to figure out the boundaries of my research field and how I might make meaning out of these limits.
Which theoretical perspective shall I use? Queer theory? Feminist theory? Both?
Exploring the field of gender fluidity and observing as an outsider drag queen shows or attending Queer Partecipatory events might be seen as a limit, due to the fact that I never experienced wearing make-up, high heels or performed a specific female persona.
How I might have a deeper insight into this field of research then ? Creating contacts with people who are in the Queer scene, who are also in charge of creating takeovers of museums / art galleries / public space in different areas of Uk: this conversational approach will be enhancing my critical thinking.
I deliberately chose at the very beginning of my research, to look mainly at how ideas of alternative masculinities are shaping society, by moving beyond stereotypical modes of representing gender identity.
At this stage, the aim of my research project is more to use masculinity as one of the many facets of gender identity: I seek to draw out a mapping of the contemporary modes of acting / ‘doing’ masculinity, exploring the connection between bodies and spaces..
I refer , for instance, to Rachel Young’s performance Out (2017), which features two extraordinary queer dancers, in an attempt of using the space of the dancehall to create a collective experience on the stigma of homophobia / transphobia in the Caribbean communities : how does the stage create a frame for the spectators?
Reference list:
- Rachael Young. (2017). OUT *on tour* Feb 2017 . [Online video]. Available from: https://vimeo.com/197498205. [Accessed 21 November 2017].
Gender is a construct 