Abstract

Previous research on queer popular culture highlights the influence popular culture has had on the United States’ legal and political protections for queer people—specifically cisgender gay men and cisgender lesbians with the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” However, some scholars and queer activists critique the homonationalist and pinkwashing agendas deployed by LGBTQ popular culture activists. This research examines whether or not there has been a shift in dominant queer popular culture that decenters homonationalism and pinkwashing. Using a feminist media analysis, this research examines contemporary queer musicians’ activism against the United States’ involvement with the genocide in Palestine. This research draws from discourses and previous research on homonationalism, pinkwashing, and queer popular culture to explore the potential shift in dominant queer popular culture that decenters pinkwashing and homonationalist politics. This research has considered online published interviews and articles about the activism from contemporary queer musicians—Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, and MUNA. I examine four main themes that emerged within the research to provide insight into the potential shift in queer popular culture. Further, this research engages in a queer of color critique to examine the role of whiteness in this activism and gain insight into the emerging power dynamics in this recent shift in popular culture and the queer American imagination.

Advisor

Maria Bevacqua

Committee Member

Laura Harrison

Committee Member

Jameel Haque

Date of Degree

2025

Language

english

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Program of Study

Gender and Women's Studies

Department

History and Gender Studies

College

Humanities and Social Sciences

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In Copyright