Metronormativity in the LGBTQ Imaginary and in Queer Geography: Confronting Heterosexism and Acknowledging Complexity in LGBTQ Lives

In this thesis, I examine how metronormativity in the academic discipline of queer geography and in an overarching LGBTQ imaginary neglects the issue of heterosexism in urban areas, fails to acknowledge various other manifestations of structural oppression faced by residents of cities, and obscures the potential for politically mobilizing LGBTQ people in rural areas. I speak both to the academic discipline of queer geography and to queer popular culture when I say that near-exclusive focus on urban spaces forecloses the possibility of liberation for queer people living outside the city limits. Beyond that, portraying cities as microcosmic progressive societies dims the urgency of creating a more equitable social structure. It mystifies the repressive nature of capitalism, ignores the struggles faced by marginalized groups once they complete their migration from country to city, and limits conversations surrounding revolution to centralized, urban populations