Notes Toward a Theory of Anomaly

Abstract

Recent laws against same-sex marriage in the Cherokee Nation provide the backdrop for this analysis of alternative models of Cherokee sexual diversity. Rather than seek identifiable historical precedent that is largely unavailable in the historical record and vehemently denied by the predominantly Baptist Cherokee majority, this essay argues instead for a modern queer Cherokee aesthetic that is both responsive to the contemporary experiences of gender- and sexuality-variant Cherokees and inspired by the late Mississippian category of “anomaly” as a queer-inclusive tribal model for belonging.

Decolonizing Kink: Nishinaabeg Stories as Critical Engagements with Power

“…Within these binary logics of power, there clearly appears a so-called imbalance among wasps, hornets, and bees. However, within Indigenous frameworks, in which things like "anomaly" and "chaos" are deeply valued, such imbalances can exist within consensual and sustainable dynamics, likely among all living beings (Cajete, 2000, p. 16;Justice, 2010;Wesley, 2015, p. 30;Yazzie Burkhart, 2004, p. 25). As Cordova (2004, p. 29) says, "One should ask oneself whether the concepts of 'balance' and 'harmony' actually make sense when transferred over to a context in which the world is described as essentially chaotic.…”

Oral traditions and mounds, owls and movement at Poverty Point: An archaeological ethnography of multispecies embodiments and everyday life

“…The reference to the Upper and Middle Worlds points to the importance of beings that cross boundaries between the sky, earth's surface, and underground/underwater (Justice, 2010). 6 At a later date, Hakope added: “Some owls even live in ground burrows; they truly belong to all three Worlds.” Looking back at Poverty Point after learning to see the owl in the shed, the “bulbs” at the western end of Mound A could represent ear tufts.…”

“…They can negotiate the dark better than anyone. They have a voice, which belongs to the Middle World, but they move in The reference to the Upper and Middle Worlds points to the importance of beings that cross boundaries between the sky, earth's surface, and underground/underwater (Justice, 2010). 6 At a later date, Hakope added: ''Some owls even live in ground burrows; they truly belong to all three Worlds.''…”

Religion and spirituality.

“…Diverse spiritual and cultural views of homosexuality from an American Indian spiritual perspective were highlighted in a special issue of the Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies (Justice, 2010). Latino cultures strongly value duty to family, prescribed gender roles, and adherence to religious practices (Sanabria & Puig, in press).…”