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Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications and the Dangers of Inclusion
Rainbow Trap
reveals how the fight for LGBTQ equalities in the UK is shaped – and constrained – by the classifications we encounter every day.
Looking across six systems – the police and the recording of hate crimes; dating apps and digital desire; outness in the film and television industry; borders and LGBTQ asylum seekers; health and fitness activities; and DEI initiatives in the workplace – Rainbow Trap documents how inclusive interventions – such as new legislation, revamped diversity policies and tech fixes – have attempted to bring historically marginalized communities out of the shadows.
Yet, as part of the bargain, LGBTQ people need to locate themselves in an ever-growing list of classifications, categories and labels to ‘make sense’ to the very systems they are seeking to access. This requirement to be classified catches LGBTQ communities in a rainbow trap. Because when we look beyond the welcoming veneer of inclusive interventions, we uncover sorting processes that determine what LGBTQ lives are valued and what queer futures are possible.
Looking across six systems – the police and the recording of hate crimes; dating apps and digital desire; outness in the film and television industry; borders and LGBTQ asylum seekers; health and fitness activities; and DEI initiatives in the workplace – Rainbow Trap documents how inclusive interventions – such as new legislation, revamped diversity policies and tech fixes – have attempted to bring historically marginalized communities out of the shadows.
Yet, as part of the bargain, LGBTQ people need to locate themselves in an ever-growing list of classifications, categories and labels to ‘make sense’ to the very systems they are seeking to access. This requirement to be classified catches LGBTQ communities in a rainbow trap. Because when we look beyond the welcoming veneer of inclusive interventions, we uncover sorting processes that determine what LGBTQ lives are valued and what queer futures are possible.
- GenresNonfictionQueer
248 pages, Hardcover
Published June 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 19, 2025
This book dives into classifications and reflects on who gets left out, who doesnt fit into the box. The book intentionally takes a vertical look across 6 areas, rather than diving deep into 1, presenting a cross section that makes you think of classification and categorisation through a wider lense. The book made me think of how classification effects me in my everyday, those who know exactly where they fit, and most importantly those who might not neatly fit into boxes that are presented to us.
By the time I got to the conclusion, I had an opportunity to hear from and speak to Kevin about his work as well as other ideas he's been exploring, which is partially why I didnt end up reading the conclusion for a couple of minutes. However the gap and getting additional insights, allowed my understanding and the ideas presented in the book develop further. For anyone interested in data and queer theory this is a must read
By the time I got to the conclusion, I had an opportunity to hear from and speak to Kevin about his work as well as other ideas he's been exploring, which is partially why I didnt end up reading the conclusion for a couple of minutes. However the gap and getting additional insights, allowed my understanding and the ideas presented in the book develop further. For anyone interested in data and queer theory this is a must read
February 9, 2026
"if we begin anywhere, we begin with the right to refuse what has been refused to you" -Jack Halberstam
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews