ABSTRACT
As a theoretical framework, queer theory evolved from arguments laid out by social constructionism, poststructuralism, and postmodernism. If queer theory explains social reality, and it must to be relevant, the theories assertions and tenets must hold up under empirical investigation, which to date remains fairly anemic beyond observational and content/media analyses. Illuminating the gap between theory and practice is significant given the growing importance of queer theory in the humanities and social sciences, and as a burgeoning second wave of activity among queers unfolds. Select works have considered queer as a distinctly lived practice. More often, queer gets conflated or muddled with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). In fact, queer is often used as shorthand for LGBT. In Atlanta, for example, the queer community has built distinct institutions, such as Southern Fried, Queer Pride, Queer House, and the bar, Grandma Mary’s, which serve those who embrace queer as, in part, distinct.
