HISTORICISING OUTSIDERS ON CAMPUS - THE REPRODUCTION OF LESBIAN AND GAY INSIDERS

This is a study of the process of lesbian and gay identity assumption among university students at one American university campus-the State University of New York, Oneonta. It is argued that participation in th is gay and lesbian student group produces a particular construction of identity, one that privileges an essentialist understanding of sexual difference in which a coherent, unified identity is achieved by suppr essing more complex, overlapping identities of ethnicity, gender, race and sexuality. Through particular discursive practices-public repetit ions of coming out-and particular political practices-conventional stu dent political activities-students assume a gay or lesbian identity by 'performing' as lesbians and gays. One result is the reproduction of politically active, community identified gay and lesbian youth, school ed in the methods of insider politics who go on to become volunteer an d salaried workers in gay and lesbian community institutions.