Judith Butler

Question 1

How does Butler define queer?

Answer 1

To deviate from rigid gender/sexuality models - separate from gay/lesbian/trans

Question 2

What does Butler mean when she says gender is a performance?

Answer 2

We acquire social ways of doing gender through repetition (of gestures, phrases, etc.) which becomes our identity

Question 3

Does Judith think gender is chosen?

Answer 3

No. She believes gender is authentic and real to the person

Question 4

Can gender be false/fake?

Answer 4

Gender being a construction does not mean gender is fake or false

Question 5

Do all transgender people believe gender is constructed or innate?

Answer 5

Whether or not gender is constructed is both contested and supported by transpeople

Question 6

Are transgender people a threat to women?

Answer 6

No - transgender people are expanding the category of “women”

Question 7

Does Butler appear hostile to biological inquiries into gender?

Answer 7

She does not believe that the sex you are assigned at birth should be binding for life