What Does Queer Theory Teach Us About PR?: Queer Possibilities for Public Relations Theory and Practice

• In Event: EXTENDED SESSION: From PR and Persuasion to Amorous Apps and Trans TV: The Latest in LGBTQ Studies

Abstract

Approximately 25 years ago, at the inception of queer theory, there was little discussion in public relations about sexuality and gender identity. At that time it was uncommon for practitioners to come out at work as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), for organizations to address LGBT publics, and few students of public relations openly identified as LGBT. Although there have been a handful of applications of queer theory in public relations research, a comprehensive theoretical foundation has not been laid for building queer theory into public relations scholarship. Consequently, this article presents a brief historical overview of queer theory and central tenets for theory building in public relations, followed by a discussion of queering public relations research, practice, and pedagogy, and concludes by presenting future directions for theory building in public relations.

Author

• Erica Ciszek, U of Houston