"Queer theory," asserts Linda Garber, "alternately buries and vilifies lesbian feminism, missing its valuable insights and ignoring its rich contributions." Rejecting the either/or choice between lesbianism and queer theory, she favors an inclusive approach that defies current factionalism. In an eloquent challenge to the privileging of queer theory in the academy, Garber calls for recognition of the historical-and intellectually significant-role of lesbian poets as theorists of lesbian identity and activism. The connections, Garber shows, are most clearly seen when looking at the pivotal work of working-class lesbians/lesbians of color whose articulations of multiple, simultaneous identity positions and activist politics both belong to lesbian feminism and presage queer theory. Identity Poetics includes a critical overview of recent historical writing about the women's and lesbian-feminist movements of the 1970s; discussions of the works of Judy Grahn, Pat Parker, Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, and Gloria Anzaldua; and, finally, a chapter on the rise and hegemony of queer theory within lesbigay studies.

"Queer theory," asserts Garber, "alternately buries and vilifies lesbian feminism, missing its valuable insights and ignoring its rich contributions." Rejecting the either/or choice between lesbianism and queer theory, this book favors an inclusive approach that defies current factionalism. In an eloquent challenge to the privileging of queer theory in the academy, Garber calls for recognition of the historical-and intellectually significant-role of lesbian poets as theorists of lesbian identity and activism.

About the Author
Linda Garber is associate professor in the department of English and the Program for the Study of Women and Gender at Santa Clara University. She is the editor of Tilting the Tower: Lesbians/Teaching/Queer Subjects and the author of articles on lesbian literary criticism and lesbian studies.

Reviews
A provocative and sophisticated book that challenges the presumed opposition between lesbian feminism and queer theory and rethinks orthodox notions about identity politics. Bonnie Zimmerman Identitiy Poetics is a thoughtful, provocative, and engaging book. Careful to aknowledge the ideas of others, Garber sets a wonderful tone for her arguements, one of allied scholarship rather than academic crossfire. Gay and Lesbian Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780231110334
Author Linda Garber
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press