Originating in the 1970s, what was then called “gay and lesbian studies” focused on uncovering lesbian and gay history. Literary theory was quickly brought in from literature departments as a central method of analysis.

Georgetown University

Queer studies, formerly called “gay and lesbian studies” and sometimes now called LGBT studies, focuses on the construction of sexuality and gender identities, centering queerness. By centering queerness, the theories of this field are not confined to gender and sexuality alone, although that is the focus, but can instead be applied to all socially constructed norms.

Queer studies

While “gay” was at one point used just to describe romantic and/or sexual attraction exclusively to men, by men, it has grown to also be used by both men and women who are attracted to people of the same gender.

Lesbianism has competing definitions, but the most widely understood meaning is romantic and/or sexual attraction exclusively to women, by women.

Lesbianism

Branch, Mark Alden (April 2003). "Back in the Fold". Yale Alumni Magazine. YaleAlumniMagazine.com. http://archives.yalealumnimagazine.com/issues/03_04/kramer.html 

Back in the Fold

Queer theory is a field of critical theory that can include different meanings, but most broadly referes to a lens that centers the abnormal (the queer) in order to demonstrate the socially constructed boundaries of the normal. 

Queer theory

Gay and Lesbian Studies (Roots of Queer Studies)

Queer Theory is "not synonymous with gender theory, nor even with the overlapping fields of gay and lesbian studies, but does share many of their concerns with normative definitions of man, woman, and sexuality." This theory questions the categories of sexual identity and the paradigms created from what is considered normative sexual ideology. 

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