
Queer Theory Now
From Foundations to Futures
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 16. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
312 pages
978-1-350-41531-7 (ISBN)
Description
What is the past, present and future of queer theory? How does it relate to real-world issues such as the current anti-LGBTQ+ backlash and the global rise of right-wing politics?
This textbook provides an introduction to queer theory, including key terms, concepts, debates, and applications across a range of academic disciplines and to contemporary life more generally.
The authors engage with a wide range of developments in queer theory thinking, including discussions of identity politics, transgender theory, intersectionality, post-colonial theory, Indigenous studies, disability studies, affect theory, and more.
This new edition:
- Makes difficult theory easy to understand, with clear 'Key Terms' boxes and 'Queer Theory in Practice' to show how theory applies to real life
- Provides an historically-informed approach to understanding queer theory, including how activism has shaped theory
- Helps you to engage further with theory through discussion questions, further readings and film recommendations
- Is thoroughly updated to engage with the latest scholarship in this fast-moving field, and includes new coverage of issues such as the impact of the rise of right-wing politics and queer experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In offering an updated reflection on the present tensions that queer theory must negotiate, as well as its unfolding future(s), Queer Theory Now is an ideal resource for anyone starting out on their queer theory journey; for students who want to get a grasp of the basic concepts, for teachers looking for a textbook for their queer theory course, or for scholars who want a quick go-to resource for key queer theory ideas and terms.
This textbook provides an introduction to queer theory, including key terms, concepts, debates, and applications across a range of academic disciplines and to contemporary life more generally.
The authors engage with a wide range of developments in queer theory thinking, including discussions of identity politics, transgender theory, intersectionality, post-colonial theory, Indigenous studies, disability studies, affect theory, and more.
This new edition:
- Makes difficult theory easy to understand, with clear 'Key Terms' boxes and 'Queer Theory in Practice' to show how theory applies to real life
- Provides an historically-informed approach to understanding queer theory, including how activism has shaped theory
- Helps you to engage further with theory through discussion questions, further readings and film recommendations
- Is thoroughly updated to engage with the latest scholarship in this fast-moving field, and includes new coverage of issues such as the impact of the rise of right-wing politics and queer experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In offering an updated reflection on the present tensions that queer theory must negotiate, as well as its unfolding future(s), Queer Theory Now is an ideal resource for anyone starting out on their queer theory journey; for students who want to get a grasp of the basic concepts, for teachers looking for a textbook for their queer theory course, or for scholars who want a quick go-to resource for key queer theory ideas and terms.
Reviews / Votes
Queer Theory Now offers a comprehensive journey through the historical foundations and contemporary nuances of queer theory. By engaging with diverse voices and critical perspectives, this book not only illuminates the past but also inspires new directions for future queer scholarship. * Paulo Pepe, University of East Anglia, UK * This book achieves a rare and compelling balance between accessibility and accountability in tracing the traditions and tensions that have shaped queer theory. McCann and Monaghan locate queer lives, stories, controversies, and activisms at the heart of this history, which helps us understand why and how queer theoretical lenses continue to resonate, and to be remade, by each new generation. Essential reading for all those interested in the origins and enduring force of queer ideas. * Christy Newman, UNSW Sydney, Australia *More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 157 mm
Width: 234 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
488 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-41531-7 (9781350415317)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2026
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€29.99
Available for download

E-Book
03/2026
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€29.99
Available for download
Persons
Hannah McCann is a Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research sits within critical femininity studies, and explores femme identity, beauty culture, and queer fandom. She is the author of Queering Femininity: Sexuality, Feminism and the Politics of Presentation (2018).
Whitney Monaghan is a Lecturer in Film and Screen Studies at Monash University, Australia. She has a background in screen, media and cultural studies and her research examines queer representation on screen. She is the author of Queer Girls, Temporality and Screen Media: Not 'Just a Phase' (2016).
Whitney Monaghan is a Lecturer in Film and Screen Studies at Monash University, Australia. She has a background in screen, media and cultural studies and her research examines queer representation on screen. She is the author of Queer Girls, Temporality and Screen Media: Not 'Just a Phase' (2016).
Author
University of Melbourne, Australia
Monash University, Australia
Content
1. Defining Queer Theory
2.From Pathology to Pride
3.Sexuality and Feminism
4.AIDS and Acting Up
5.Outing the Closet
6.Theory Meets Identity
7.Negotiating Intersections
8.Temporality and Queer Utopias.
2.From Pathology to Pride
3.Sexuality and Feminism
4.AIDS and Acting Up
5.Outing the Closet
6.Theory Meets Identity
7.Negotiating Intersections
8.Temporality and Queer Utopias.