Heteronormative citizenship and the politics of passing

Abstract

This article argues that, despite more ostensibly ‘out’ politicians and better anti-discrimination measures, strange forms of ‘passing’ are still taking place in public life. Heterosexual constructions of citzenship are still being privileged. The analysis uses British, Australian and US examples to draw out the implications of these forms of ‘passing’ for issues of citizen identity, policy and public behaviour. The article concludes by suggesting that existing queer theory has not engaged adequately with key issues influencing the construction of heteronormative citizenship.