Abstract
In order for Queer people to feel safe enough to disclose their identity they must feel safe and comfortable to do so. In the context of forensics, Croucher et al. (2009) detailed how team identification and comfort carry similar variables, thus linking team identification and comfort. When Queer people can feel the comfort coming from the space reflecting Queerness, they sense the Queer warmth in the space. Sekimoto et al. (2020) described how Queer individuals use this warmth in the space as a social navigational tool in order to ensure safety. As forensics has seen an increase in Queer performances both in speech and embodiment, the feeling of Queer warmth in the community has increased the comfort felt by its Queer members. Utilizing interviews from students and coaches from across the country, this research aimed to investigate the formation of Queer warmth in the forensics community and how it impacts the performance of Queer individuals within the community. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts yielded four themes: facilitating points of connection, sensing the importance of connection, motivation for connections, and restrictions on Queer warmth. As forensics has long sought ways to rebuild since COVID-19, Queer warmth could serve as a tool of reconstruction.
Advisor
Justin Rudnick
Committee Member
Aaron Hoy
Committee Member
Katie Brunner
Date of Degree
2025
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Program of Study
Forensics and Communication
Department
Communication and Media
College
Humanities and Social Sciences
Recommended Citation
Webb, C. (2025). Flaming hot queers: Queer warmth in forensics [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1535/
Included in
Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons
Rights Statement
