Passing/Out

Book excerpt: Passing/Out adopts an inter-generational, inter-disciplinary, and inter-subjective approach to the closeting and revelation of sexual identity, exploring questions of embodiment, ethics and identity in relation to 'passing' or being 'out'. Presenting the latest theoretical and empirical work from scholars working across a range of disciplines including sociology, cultural and media studies, philosophy, gender studies, literary studies and history, this book discusses the nature and history of sexual identity and the manner in which identity functions within social relationships. In recognition of the transformative impact of queer theory upon the study of sexuality and identity, Passing/Out constructs a dialogue between the work of scholars whose intellectual careers began prior to the advent of queer theory and those whose work has been more immediately and directly shaped by this approach, with a view to breaking new ground in the field of identity. Shedding light on the meaning of 'passing' and 'outing' in relation to identity, this volume will be of interest to social scientists and scholars of the humanities working on questions of sexuality, identity, embodiment and ethics.