Clocking, An Interactional Phenomenon: Communicating and Recognizing Queer Identities

• In Event: 50661 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2: Making/Being in Communities

Abstract

The term gaydar—a portmanteau of gay and radar—is synonymous with inferring someone’s sexual identity. However, the snap judgements that inform gaydar are largely based on stereotypes rather than lived experiences. In addition, gaydar does not occur in an interaction, which potentially undermines agency from the process. Drawing on analysis of 30 interviews, I offer clocking as a framework for disclosing and recognizing sexual and gender identities in interactions. My findings show three elements of clocking queer identities: it involves multiple cues of queerness that may align with either gaydar (stereotypical symbols) or sexual aesthetics (cultural distinctions), b) it rules out the broad category of cisgender, heterosexual rather than locating someone within a specific identity label, and c) it occurs within an interaction. More broadly, I offer insights into how queer individuals perceive markers of sexuality and gender when interacting with others, which informs existing literature on gaydar, coming out, and identity disclosure.

Author

• Kate Feldstein, University of British Columbia