Homonationalism Keynote: Jasbir Puar

This keynote address was given by Jasbir Puar as part of the closing events of the Homonationalism and Pinkwashing conference that was held by CLAGS at the CUNY Graduate Center on April 10 and 11, 2013. Homonationalism and pinkwashing are theories that refer to the positive way in which queer and national identities are associated and how that favorable association is then used to mask the other misdeeds and prejudices committed by the nation. These concepts, as first introduced by Jasbir Puar in her 2007 book Terrorist Assemblages, is especially relevant in discussions of the Israel-Palestine Conflict and remains a highly controversial issue. In her lecture, Puar explains how she came up with the concepts in her book, explains the way in which homonationalism functions, and explores the lasting impact of her ideas. Puar spends the last hour of her talk answering questions from the audience and reflecting on the success of the conference. Homonationalism and Pinkwashing serve as an example of CLAGS’ commitment to sparking debate and pushing the boundaries of queer studies. Although formally instituted at the CUNY Graduate Center in 1991, CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies was first conceived 5 years earlier by Martin, Duberman, one of the first historians to embrace the, then infantile, field of Queer Studies. Duberman sensed the need for a formal center devoted to queer research. As the first university-based center for LGBTQ research, CLAGS continues to demonstrate its dedication to advancing Queer Studies, by hosting public events showcasing queer research and sponsoring fellowships to support queer scholars. Among its many notable contributions, CLAGS annually puts on at least one major conference and holds the Kessler Award Lecture every fall to celebrate a queer scholar who has made a notable contribution to the field of queer studies.

Puar, Jasbir

CLAGS Archive

April 10, 2013

Copyrighted

English

01:49:31

7892