Bridging Theory, Practice, and Perspective: LGBTQ Studies in International Affairs

One of the Korbel School DEI committee’s biggest projects of the year was to combine two bodies of research that — despite often being siloed — have so much to offer each other. Current graduate student Alex Nelson led the project: a new database for the intersection of LGBTQ Studies and International Affairs, highlighting queer contributions in policy work, diplomacy, and research in International Studies. He sat down to share his experience as the project lead and to highlight the LGBTQ Zotero Database Project. 

During his first quarter at the Korbel School, a friend recommended Alex to the DEI Committee; now a second-year M.A. student in International Human Rights, Alex contributed to the committee in a very tangible and significant way by helping to compile the work of LGBTQ researchers in international relations. "As an advocate, you have to understand other perspectives to be effective," he says. "If you are better equipped to know about international LGBTQ issues, you can be a better diplomat." The decision to be part of the committee led to project management of the new research database. Alex quickly found, "a lot of LGBTQ Studies already delved deep into topics like Public Health and International Relations, illuminating certain experiences that other disciplines can't." The next step was finding those connections in pre-existing citations and bringing them together in a central location for reference.  

Alex uses Zotero, an open-source reference management software that compiles bibliographic data. From journals like Comparative Political Studies, Critical Africa Studies, and Review of Radical Political Economics, LGBTQ perspectives already exist in their studies, so bringing these articles into a Zotero database paves the way for future scholars to add to an LGBTQ and International Affairs canon. He is optimistic that the database will reach 300 articles and is already well on its way. Working closely with faculty at the Korbel School who have been involved from inception to launch, Alex regularly presents his findings, and faculty approve any new additions.  

Alex also discusses how Queer Theory – a subset of LGBTQ Studies – is difficult to find outside of Secondary Education and International Security. Scholars often laud queer theory as a useful critical tool for examining institutions, their influences, and imagining new possibilities. Though largely born from LGBTQ advocacy, Queer Theory has immense capacity on its own as a theoretical framework. "In International Relations," Alex says, "[Queer Theory] is not as present, even though it could have a lot to offer." In many ways, the Korbel School presents a perfect opportunity for Queer Theory to find a home in International Studies as an institution that champions the intersection of theory and practice. "Theory and practice are not mutually exclusive," Alex explains. "They can be different, but you put them in dialogue so they intersect in a way that is meaningful for students." 

Alex also thanked several contributors for their help with the project: Program Manager for the DEI Committee Kristen Noble, Professor Tamra d'Estrée, Teaching Professor Lynn Holland, and fellow graduate students Hasten, Prosper, and Koy. Whether it was a student sending him articles or faculty approval after a presentation, Alex cites the project as a collaborative effort. He plans to continue adding to the database next year and advocate for a "Men Engage" chapter on campus to promote healthy masculinity. 

You can find the link to the Zotero database here.