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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4042-0694
Date of Graduation
5-7-2020
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
School of Communication Studies
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Hobson
Melissa W. Alemán
Michael Broderick
Abstract
This thesis is a performative autoethnographic exploration of my experiences existing betwixt-and-between the intersection of queer femme-ininity and isolation. Through a creative, affective rendition of my experiences, I detail and connect the nuances of queerness, femme-ininity, and queer isolation to provide a closer look at understanding queer identity with an absence of connection to the queer community. First, I provide an overview of the main theoretical and methodological approaches, and main concepts I utilize throughout my project. I then provide the intricacies of queer theory, queer intersectionality, and affect theory to provide theoretical explanations of my approach to queer isolation. After I explain the process of queer performative autoethnography, I weave my vignettes and narratives within existing research and scholarship regarding queer femme-ininity and social exclusion and isolation to create connections between embodied knowledge and scholarly literature. This project was ultimately a means through which I was able to creatively reflect on my experiences with queer isolation while also beginning the effect to bridge the gaps in knowledge that exist between concepts such as social isolation, communication, and queer femme identities.
Recommended Citation
Ozalas, Bri, "The (in)visible woman: A performative autoethnographic exploration of queer femme-ininity and queer isolation" (2020). Masters Theses, 2020-current. 50.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/masters202029/50
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Health Communication Commons, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons, Other Communication Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Women's Studies Commons