A1 Journal article (refereed)
Nimeämisen mahti : sukupuolta ja seksuaalisuutta kuvaavien termien suhteisuudesta (2019)

Juvonen, T. (2019). Nimeämisen mahti : sukupuolta ja seksuaalisuutta kuvaavien termien suhteisuudesta. SQS : Suomen Queer-tutkimuksen Seuran lehti, 13(1-2), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.23980/sqs.89126

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Juvonen, Tuula

Journal or series: SQS : Suomen Queer-tutkimuksen Seuran lehti

eISSN: 1796-5551

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 13

Issue number: 1-2

Pages range: 1-22

Publisher: Suomen queer-tutkimuksen seura

Place of Publication: Helsinki

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23980/sqs.89126

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67624

Abstract

In this article I scrutinize the terms that Finns use when narrating their experiences of challenging gender and sexual norms or being allies to those who do. The analyzed data consists of memories collected in 2018 by the Commission of Finnish Labour Tradition (one of the bodies with national responsibility to collect LGBTQIA+ history) about most memorable moments. I am interested in the ways in which the materials described the lack of suitable terms, the meanings of finding or inventing them, as well as accepting identities or finding communities which allow identification through the terms. I analyze self-naming when such terms as asexuality, queerness, bisexuality and pansexuality or non-binary (here as muunsukupuolisuus) were used. I also touch upon the increasingly various relationship terminology. In the materials it is evident that during the 2010s the new classifications address multiple genders and sexualities in ever increasing precision. They are used especially by the younger generation that seeks to understand its relational experiences and ways of being. I see the diversification of terminology as a part of a wider cultural change, during which the former binary classifications of gender and sexuality are in flux. This creates both opportunities and demands for naming oneself as a part of new social networks.

Keywords: nomination; gender research; queer studies; terminology; namings; sexual identity

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1