We thought a lot this semester about queer pedagogy, or teaching and learning about queerness. Here, we discuss the texts that influenced our understanding of the ways queer knowledge is made, learned, and passed down, as well as the ways it is unmade, unlearned, and withheld.
Drawing on these texts, we argue for teaching Queer Studies at CUNY, and we list the key pedagogical considerations we discovered for teaching and learning Queer Studies at CUNY.
Some specific texts we focused on, such as Hands by Sherwood Anderson, How Dare You Even Think These Things? by John Preston, and The Jazz Singer by Charles Henry Fuller centralize the point that teaching Queer knowledge is sometimes non-existent or looked down upon.
Opening up this course, we began reading a short story called Hands by Sherwood Anderson. Within this short story, we are challenged with the idea of premeditated thought and internalized emotions. Upon our first read of the story, our class was convinced the author was portraying the story of an inappropriate teacher who touched his students. Emphasis on his hands and using words such as ‘caress’ and ‘stroke’ to have readers begin to curate ideas that this teacher is a pedophile. However, once we read through the reading a second time the author’s motive became clearer. As we learn by rereading the entire text, the teacher is not perverted or pedophilic, instead he uses his hands as a way to communicate with his students; he cares for them as his students and nothing more. This way of Queer teaching through touch was looked down upon by the community, but in reality, was the best method of teaching for his students. When we see this narrative associated with the male figure, who is our main character, we assume that he has some ulterior motive and not a good one at that. However, it differs when we see these words associated with a female figure, as we view those words being used in a maternal, loving manner rather than a perverted one.
Below we decided to have a conversation about these pieces. The conversation not only acknowledges the main teaching points and themes but also the struggles that come with wanting to teach stories and articles such as these.
“I would do anything to go back in time to receive any form of queer education that was so ignorantly not provided for me in school, and still isn’t.”
– Spring 2022 Queer Studies Classmate
Another strong piece that could impact the knowledge of many, was John Preston’s How Dare You Even Think These Things? When looking at how to teach this piece it is no secret in acknowledging that it is somewhat of a graphic piece to cover. Throughout the course of this essay, it became apparent through outlets such as pornography and erotica that same-sex couples and individuals were in need of a safe space to properly explore their sexuality. However, this is part of the reason why teaching this piece can make the room feel uncomfortable. The language used by Preston is fully necessary, and it is imperative for the main idea of this piece. The main idea in question is that the message behind Preston’s creation of pornography goes well beyond erotic behavior. These outlets were used by Preston and many other queer individuals to create a safe space within their community to explore which lifestyle made them truly happy. For example, through graphic passages such as “I sucked him; he sucked. I fucked him; he fucked me. I ate his ass; he devoured mine. All through action, he delivered a running commentary on how it should be done and with what discretion, and how to find my own partners” (4). It is apparent that the acts of sex in this essay are secondary resources. The main idea is hidden between the reactions and accounts of other queer individuals that approached Preston due to his work. Not only did he further create a safe space for queer individuals, but he also became a guiding figure for many others as well.
“This class has inspired me to have conversations with my daughter because I know how important it is for her to have this Queer knowledge.”
– Spring 2022 Queer Studies Classmate
