Queer theory is an academic discipline that has only grown as LGBTQ+ rights have begun their advancement across the world. Dedicated to understanding queer reality, the field has fostered incredible theories to flourish, and academics to emerge as leading figures. But how do we understand queer theory, and what can be done to improve this?
Queer – A Graphic History presents queer reality and queer theory in a cartoon format, with illustrations aplenty as it guides you through the past of our community. Discussing some of the prevailing ideas and the people who have championed them, the book pitches itself as an accessible introduction to a complex academic field, summarising its core tenets for audiences of all backgrounds to explore and learn.
I really like the concept and the idea that this book was trying to achieve. Barker and Scheele have identified an area of LGBTQ+ history that can be difficult to understand and access, particularly for those looking to be educated on some concepts of queer theory they may never have previously encountered. A book dealing with the issues is sorely needed, and would go a significant way in helping to address many of the prejudices held in common society. Sadly, however, this book is not it.
Despite purporting to be a simplified and entry-level material for accessing queer theory, by the middle of the book, you’d be forgiven for being lost in the whirlwind of unusual terms, abstract concepts and difficult theories that are being ‘explored’. Whilst the images and characterisation certainly go a long way in helping to conceptualise and contextualise what is being discussed, the use of complex terminology can often be off-putting. As a queer person myself, my understanding was a bit more advanced than many who may be consulting this book, but even I was confused at multiple occasions at the discussion of certain nuances, which left me skipping paragraphs here and there.
I also feel that titling this book as a ‘graphic history’ is slightly misleading, as the book is more of the history of queer theory, rather than a general history of queer events, people or movements. Whilst this may just be an error on my part for not engaging with the text before reading it, but I feel as if this distinction would be easily made by many, if not most people. Queer theory is important, but largely aimed at those studying or critiquing it.
I really enjoy what this book is going for, but unfortunately it doesn’t achieve the things I believe it ought to, or has been set out to do. The illustrations are fun and high quality, and help with understanding, and several areas taught me things I didn’t previously understand, but overall felt like something aimed at budding academics, as opposed to the casual reader. It’s not a bad book, but not what it pitches itself as.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Queer – A Graphic History (ISBN: 978-1-78578-071-4) was published in 2016. A copy is available to borrow from the LGBTQ+ Lending Library in the LGBTQ+ Lounge
