Towards a queer research methodology

Abstract

This paper proposes that psychological researchers generally, and psychologists concerned with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues specifically, could benefit by including ‘queer theory’ insights into their research. It begins with an elaboration of this theory, with special attention given to Judith Butler's arguments in her book, Gender Trouble. These insights are used in a close reading of Evelyn Hooker's famous research from the 1950s on gay male adjustment, and more contemporary writing on homosexual adjustment done by James M. Cantor. It will be shown that while traditional psychological research methods aspire for the objectivity of science, this aspiration is often complicit in a regulatory regime which does less to liberate homosexual desire, than to account for it, limit it, and often convert it to something ‘normal’. The implications for research are discussed in the final section.

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