Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Fashion, Dress and Merchandising
Committee Chair
Kathryn Jones
Committee Co-Chair
Jessica Blythe
Committee Member
Jessica Blythe
Committee Member
Gloria Negrete-Lopez
Abstract
This study investigated clothing preferences among cisgender queer women within Appalachia and whether they used these preferences to identify their own peers. It also further investigated whether they use clothing as a tool to conceal or reveal their own LGBTQ+ identity. Participants were invited for two interviews each. Between interviews, there was a one-week rumination period for each woman. The women reported themes of using clothing to blend in with their hetero-normative surroundings as they grew up and now lean into a more alternative style and less narrow-minded view of clothing. Perspectives gained from interviewees lined up with current knowledge and literature within Queer Theory and Fashion Studies. More research is needed to better understand the contemporary queer style and queer aesthetic.
Recommended Citation
Korte, Kirstyn, "LGBTQ+ Clothing Habits in Appalachia" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12561.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12561