There is growing interest in the potential of using queer performative methods to create new knowledge about sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy. These methods have been used successfully in artistic, activist, community-based, and research contexts.
There are challenges involved in using these methods in academic settings that require careful consideration. In this article, I will outline some examples of queer performative methods and their applications, discuss the benefits they offer for producing novel insights into human experiences, and raise concerns about ethics and limits.
One example of a queer performative method is embodied inquiry. Embodied inquiry involves engaging with one's own body to explore social issues related to sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy. This can include practices like yoga, dance, bodywork, and movement therapy. The goal of embodied inquiry is to deepen self-awareness and gain insight into how physical sensations shape emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
A researcher might engage in embodied inquiry to investigate how different types of touch affect pleasure and desire. Through embodied inquiry, the researcher could develop new understandings of touch that may be applicable beyond themselves or within an interdisciplinary field.
Another example of a queer performative method is participatory action research (PAR). PAR involves participants actively collaborating with researchers in creating knowledge. This can take many forms, such as group discussions, role plays, and creative exercises. PAR has been used to study topics ranging from gender identity to HIV prevention. By involving participants in the research process, PAR enables them to share their perspectives and contribute to finding solutions to complex problems. It also challenges traditional power dynamics between researchers and participants.
There are risks involved in using PAR, including potential harm to participants and exploitation by researchers.
A third example of a queer performative method is performance art. Performance art involves creating live artistic performances that challenge norms around sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy. This can range from solo acts to large-scale events. Performances might involve nudity, explicit language, or other taboo subjects. While some scholars have criticized performance art for its lack of academic rigor, others see it as a valuable way to explore social issues through creativity and experimentation. One example of a successful use of performance art in academia was a 2017 project where five researchers performed a "queer dance party" at a conference on sexual health. The goal was to create space for non-traditional modes of communication and dialogue about sexuality.
Queer performative methods offer several benefits for creating novel insights into human experiences related to sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy. They allow individuals to engage with these topics in new ways, challenge assumptions, and develop new understandings. At the same time, they raise important ethical considerations around consent, privacy, and safety. Researchers must carefully navigate these concerns while also recognizing the potential transformative effects of these methods for both themselves and their participants. As more scholars become interested in queer performative methods, we will continue to see innovative applications in diverse contexts.