Ma Vie en (Etats) Rouges (‘My life in red [states]’)

Abstract

The cancellation of a student-sponsored drag show by the president of a public university in Texas was one of a number of recent moves by officials in so-called ‘red states’ in the United States targeting sexual and gender diversity and reproductive rights. Those actions are part of broader assaults on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at state-supported institutions that may be seen as attempts at reinforcing traditional social power structures. Moreover, they seek to push into hiding legitimate and constitutionally protected cultural practices that are imbedded in the heritage of the LGBTQ+ communities. They stand in sharp contrast to the work of this journal, which celebrates difference and inclusiveness, and which has devoted significant space to such subjects as post-human drag, trans* invisibility, and gender fluidity and disruption. That important work continues in the pages of this issue.