The Mirror of the Known: An Inquiry into Queer Engagement with Cinema

People that have compromised abilities to express themselves fully find alternative ways to engage with ways to image their identity. This is particularly done by engaging with culture. Queer cinema is part of this realm of alternative cultural engagement. While queer imagery is often toned-down, erased, ridiculed or vilified, queer visibility is an important aspect to efforts of liberation. This master thesis considers the respectability politics used in queer cinematic imagery as well as what that means for the engagement of queer people as spectator. The research is conducted by means of a focus group. We watched Drive-Away Dolls and engaged in a group discussion and a written assignment afterwards. The contribution of the participants determined the imagery that is elaborated on.