Queering genealogies: introduction to the special section

Abstract

This special section of Feminist Theory explores the theme of 'Queering Genealogies'. It brings together work which explores intersections of queering, queerness, biotechnology, kinship relations, genealogy and intergenerational relations. It unites two areas of study: queer kinship studies; and queer science studies. The section was edited by Dr Elizabeth Reed and Dr Kate O'Riordan, and our focus is on queer family-making, kinship relations, genealogies and networks. The scope of the articles collected here ranges from biotechnologies such as DNA tests, IVF, gamete donation and surrogacy, to digital media platforms that facilitate new strategic, transitory and lasting relationships and make experiences of relation, genealogy and kinship. It critically engages with the ways in which kinship, genealogy and generational connection and traditions might be queered. The section contributes to a growing field and intervenes in this work of queer intellectual kinship-making through publishing research which bridges disciplinary areas and creates links between theoretical approaches.In this introduction, we reflect on some of the elements that inform the curation of this section. These include ways of making queer kin through media-making, fictional forms, critical theory, ethnographic and empirical work and intellectual community. Two projects led by the authors at earlier points orientate these reflections. Both projects employed similar methodological approaches, examining media representations and interviewing participants. Firstly, Reed's 2013-2016 research project 'Making Queer Families: Identity, LGBTQ Parents, Media, and Cultural Representation'. This was an extensive piece of research, conducted over three years, that examined media representations and the role of media in the lives of queer families. The research combined media analysis with interviews to examine the ways in which media is central to the identity