Queer Indigenous Studies: Critical Interventions in Theory, Politics, and Literature

by Qwo-Li Driskill, Chris Finley (Editor), Brian Joseph Gilley (Editor)

"This book is an imagining." So begins this collection examining critical, Indigenous-centered approaches to understanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two-Spirit (GLBTQ2) lives and communities and the creative implications of queer theory in Native studies. This book is not so much a manifesto as it is a dialogue—a “writing in conversation”—among a luminous group of scholar-activists revisiting the history of gay and lesbian studies in Indigenous communities while forging a path for Indigenouscentered theories and methodologies.

The bold opening to Queer Indigenous Studies invites new dialogues in Native American and Indigenous studies about the directions and implications of queer Indigenous studies. The collection notably engages Indigenous GLBTQ2 movements as alliances that also call for allies beyond their bounds, which the co-editors and contributors model by crossing their varied identities, including Native, trans, straight, non-Native, feminist, Two-Spirit, mixed blood, and queer, to name just a few.

Rooted in the Indigenous Americas and the Pacific, and drawing on disciplines ranging from literature to anthropology, contributors to Queer Indigenous Studies call Indigenous GLBTQ2 movements and allies to center an analysis that critiques the relationship between colonialism and heteropatriarchy. By answering critical turns in Indigenous scholarship that center Indigenous epistemologies and methodologies, contributors join in reshaping Native studies, queer studies, transgender studies, and Indigenous feminisms.

Based on the reality that queer Indigenous people “experience multilayered oppression that profoundly impacts our safety, health, and survival,” this book is at once an imagining and an invitation to the reader to join in the discussion of decolonizing queer Indigenous research and theory and, by doing so, to partake in allied resistance working toward positive change.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, Indigenous, LGBT, Social Justice, History, Gender Studies

258 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Qwo-Li Driskill is a Cherokee Two-Spirit/Queer writer, scholar, educator, activist, and performer also of African, Irish, Lenape, Lumbee, and Osage ascent. Hir artistic and scholarly work appears in numerous publications, and s/he performs and facilitates workshops at events across Turtle Island. Qwo-Li holds a PhD in Rhetoric & Writing from Michigan State University, and is currently an assistant professor in the Department of English at Texas A&M University.

Reviews

[Meike · Rating 4 out of 5]

...read for my "Indigenous Bildungsroman" project in order to do justice to Joshua Whitehead's amazing Jonny Appleseed. I can't thank Whitehead and Brandon Hobson enough, I'm learning so much, and it's so much fun!!

[Jeffrey Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5/5) Queer Indigenous Studies by Qwo-Li Driscoll engages its readers to critically examine the role of settler colonialism and its perpetuation of the current heteropatriarchal system. Although this book can be challenging to read due to its examination of several complex and technical issues related to gender and identity, the content laid out within these pages is essential for the decolonization process. I love that this book emphasizes queer Indigenous perspectives!!!

This book not only exposes the harmful legacy of settler colonialism on Indigenous communities (especially women and queer Natives), but also the harm inflicted by the non-Native LGBTQIA+ community through the imposition of colonial oppression and exclusion. It was interesting and saddening to note that some Indigenous communities have internalized heteronormative oppression practices due to sexual colonization, further contributing to the harm of queer Indigenous peoples. Sex and gender discussion is necessary to help reduce the stigma associated with identifying as anything other than the established norms of the heteropatriarchy. Silence only further erases voices from within Indigenous communities and queer spaces.

This book focuses on several topics all from the perspectives of queer individuals, with an emphasis on queer Indigenous experiences. Some topics include:
• ways to decolonize the queer Native body
• a discussion of queer theory and Native studies
• the history and legacy of colonialism in New Zealand
• defining and examining Two-Spirit peoples and how their leadership is essential for the decolonization process
• examining the Māori community and how its past (pre-contact) was one that embraced sexual fluidity
•Two-Spirit Men’s “sexual survivance” against the inequality of desire
•examination of non-Native anthropological terms that have since been reclaimed by Indigenous voices
•queer politics and lessons to be learned from Indigenous peoples

There’s a companion book called Sovereign Erotics: A Collection of Two-Spirit Literatures that I look forward to diving into! This is an essential read, especially if you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The book calls for us to learn from the leadership of Two-Spirit/ queer Indigenous peoples as they have resisted centuries worth of discrimination, dispossession, genocide, and silencing at the hands of white supremacy.

[Tallon Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very necessary work

[Alex Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology of theory, history, and analysis this book contains a variety of perspectives. One of my favorite pieces was on the contemporary fantasy series The Way of Thorn and Thunder.

Queer Indigenous Studies not only educates about history, it deeply analyzes how current ideas about sex, family, and the body are framed by settler colonialism. Offering ways to think about concepts such as ‘nationalism’ and ‘sovereignty’ outside of a colonialist mindset, it reminds us to constantly consider the reality of settler colonialism.

It's also a call to center queer Native voices when approaching queer theory and activism and when looking towards the future that empowers queer Native people

[Janet Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Let me tell you about this book—it's like a breath of fresh air! The characters, they're so real and relatable, just trying to figure out life and love. The story? It's not just about being queer; it's about finding your place in the world, embracing who you are, and navigating the ups and downs of relationships. The author handles these themes with such heart and authenticity, making you root for the characters every step of the way. It's not just a queer story; it's a story about love, acceptance, and being true to yourself. If you're into heartfelt tales that celebrate diversity and identity, this book is a gem."

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative, in-depth collection of writing about current conversations going on in the queer indigenous studies field, in the United States and Canada. It is a little theory jargon heavy, but it's a great primer for readers unfamiliar with issues such as the meaning of the term Two-Spirit and the indigenous/non-indigenous divide in the wider queer community. There is a very good work cited section at the end for further reading, and I hope to pick up some of these referenced titles before too long.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title Queer Indigenous Studies is not a misnomer. This book's main focus is about decolonizing academia, and trying to find new ways to study indinginity and queerness through a academic lens that isn't so steeped in colonial methodologies. It is made up by a number of essays that explore this topic, though the last third of the book is made up of critiques of queer, indigenous literature.

It was a very good read, but highly academic -- not necessarily in the language, which is relatively accessible, but in terms of topic.

[Ai Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid, interesting collection that draws together a bunch of critical thought and for the most part makes it really accessible (Rifkin's contribution excluded, but I think we all saw that coming.) Scott Morgensen's piece is one I would definitely use for undergrads, and the introduction is a masterful overview of the history of Two-Spirit and its use in communities and among academics. Just a really good and important collection, and really really useful in so many ways.

[Cait]

Unsure how to rate this-- the content is incredible, but the statements of "we" and "our" (among other theoretical claims and analyses) in this book by a number of scholars who claimed Indigeneity falsely put a different lens on my reading.

[B Panther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prescient and insightful. Still as relevant as ever.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic, really great compilation of first hand sources on Native American queer culture and life

[Kai Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An anthology is a community in itself."

[Josh Adamek]

If you like WGS academic writing, this is for you!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book consists of three sections: Indigenous Critiques, Two-Spirit and Queer Movements, Indigenous Writing. Ranging from the Americas all the way to New Zealand, each chapter is a work of writing by different authors and different cultures.

The book bothered me with its inability to use umbrella terms. “We center knowledge produced by indigenous people in order to counter colonial representation, affirm indigenous intellectual histories, and foreground multiplicity among indigenous people to critically examine their production within power relations.” - See how easy that was without inputting “GLBTQ2” everywhere and in every sentence to create reading fatigue. The book’s desire not to “umbrella term” gets annoying but it inevitably falls into “Queer” and “two spirit” in most sections.

The clear assertion about the importance of centering knowledge produced by indigenous people (in order to challenge colonial representations of their culture and history, and to affirm the value of indigenous intellectual traditions) highlights the fact that indigenous people are not a monolithic group, and that their knowledge and perspectives must be considered within the larger context of power relations and social dynamics. The introduction opens with a statement to challenge the dominant narratives imposed by colonialism and white supremacy, and that diversity is crucial to writing for Indigenous audiences. Thus the book was born.

This is not a coffee table book, nor is it a book for you to dig into in one setting, this feels like an academic study guide on the history and culture of native people and how many cultures are struggling with imposed homophobia and introduced homophobia. You really can’t find a collection like this anywhere else. A lot of love and work went into this and it deserves your attention.

That being said. It's repetitive and dry.

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This book is available for free on Colby College website and was published through The University of Arizona Press.

If Indian is a correct term: It all comes down to personal decision and many have decided to continue using the term. Whether it is 'correct' or 'inaccurate' is often a moot matter …the term "Indian" is technically correct under certain circumstances and is a legitimate term with political/legal value.

If LGBT is a correct term: There is no 'correct' term or 'proper' acronym.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a text book. It's got a lot of good information in it. Read it if you are interested in Queer Indigenous Studies

[Rachel Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of essays. I particularly enjoyed Chris Finley's "Decolonizing the Queer Native Body" which is exceptionally well-written and thought-provoking.