Gender at BSU : how nonbinary individuals practice gender in the United States

Abstract

This thesis is an ethnographic study that explores how nonbinary conforming genders are practiced in the United States. Using anthropological theory from Susan Bordo, Don Kulick, Mary L. Gray, and Judith Butler, this thesis defines gender, performativity, and practice and then applies them to a case study on a college campus. The data suggests that Ball State University is a battleground, where the traditional concept of gender norms is subverted through LGBTQ support networks, which provide knowledge and encouragement on gender, performativity, and practice.