Date of Award
1-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Southern Studies
First Advisor
Ryan Parsons
Second Advisor
Amy McDowell
Third Advisor
Eva Payne
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This thesis employs a mixed methods approach to investigate LGBTQ communities in Oxford, Mississippi, within the unique context of the Bible Belt panopticon. Through an examination of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Oxford (UUCO) and Oxford Pride, the study delves into the themes of visibility and surveillance, resistance and subversion, community and identity, and institutional interactions and impacts. The research is grounded in seven original interviews with UUCO members, providing nuanced insights into the functioning of LGBTQ communities within a conservative environment. Additionally, the creation of a podcast episode titled “Queering Oxford: the Long Path to Pride” offers an innovative means of capturing and disseminating community narratives.
Findings reveal that the UUCO strategically employs social legibility to foster inclusivity within the constraints of the Bible Belt panopticon. Conversely, Oxford Pride leverages visibility as a form of resistance against pervasive surveillance, highlighting the complexities of navigating identity and community within a conservative Southern environment. This study contributes to scholarly understanding by offering a nuanced exploration of LGBTQ communities in Oxford, Mississippi, shedding light on the dynamics of visibility, surveillance, and resistance within the Bible Belt context. It underscores the importance of community spaces like the UUCO and events like Oxford Pride in fostering resilience and solidarity among LGBTQ individuals in conservative regions.
Recommended Citation
Kraus, Julia, "Mapping In/Exclusion: Queer Identity in Oxford, Mississippi" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2830.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2830
Pride Podcast