Queering Collective Identities: A Case Study on Same-Sex Unions in the UK and in Italy

Abstract

This study centres on a cross-linguistic investigation of same-sex unions as articulated within speeches by British and Italian Prime Ministers. The analysis adds to the growing body of research on Queer perspectives and their incorporation into studies on gender and sexuality. It aims to bring together the multi-facetedness of Discourse, and its cross-contamination with Critical and Queer paradigms, as well as corpus-informed tools. The aim is to showcase how the hybrid incorporation of Queer and Critical Discourse-oriented perspectives makes explicit both dominant and marginalized discourses. Methodologically, this is realized through the blending of quantitative and qualitative analyses that combine Queer and Critical paradigms with corpus tools. The results uncover institutionalized heteronormativity operating to different degrees. The Queer engagement leaves open the possibility for a thoughtful reformulation which should challenge the same notion of inclusivity.