What is 'queer phenomenology' and how does it challenge traditional perceptions of sound?

Queer phenomenology argues that sound inherently possesses a 'queerness,' meaning it can be non-normative, resistant, and transformative. This perspective challenges the conventional understanding of sound by inviting us to question familiar auditory experiences and reconsider how sound shapes our comprehension of space, identity, and social interaction. It's about recognizing that sound isn't always easily categorized or interpreted, and that its resistance to normative structures can offer valuable insights.

How does the 'queerness' of sound manifest itself, and what examples illustrate this concept?

The 'queerness' of sound manifests through its resistance to easy categorization, its ability to evoke unexpected emotions and associations, and its capacity to reveal hidden aspects of our environment. This is evident in moments of silence, unidentifiable noises, and overlapping sounds. Unlike traditional approaches that seek legible sonic traces, queer phenomenology focuses on moments where sound defies transcription, challenging our attempts to impose meaning and order.

How does 'queer phenomenology' change the way we approach and understand 'field recording'?

Field recording, as viewed through the lens of queer phenomenology, moves beyond capturing 'legible sonic traces'—sounds that are easily identified and interpreted. Instead, it emphasizes attending to moments where sound resists transcription, defying our attempts to impose meaning and order. Paying attention to moments of silence, unidentifiable noises and overlapping sounds in field recordings reveal the complexity of auditory experience.

According to 'queer phenomenology', how do moments of silence, unidentifiable noises, and overlapping sounds contribute to our understanding of the world?

Moments of silence, unidentifiable noises, and overlapping sounds offer valuable insights into the non-normative aspects of our world. Moments of silence can be as revealing as their presence, unidentifiable noises challenge our assumptions about the environment, and overlapping sounds create a sense of disorientation, revealing the complexity of auditory experience. These instances remind us that reality isn't always easily captured or understood and that listening can challenge dominant narratives.

What are the implications of embracing 'queer phenomenology' for our understanding of sound, identity, and experience?

By embracing the non-normative aspects of sound, challenging traditional assumptions, and paying attention to moments of sonic resistance, queer phenomenology allows us to unlock new understandings of ourselves and our environment. This transformative approach highlights the complex interplay between sound, identity, and experience, urging us to embrace the inherent queerness that surrounds us and to redefine our sonic reality beyond conventional boundaries.

Surreal cityscape transformed by sound waves and queer symbolism

Unlocking the Unheard: How Queer Phenomenology Transforms Our Understanding of Sound

Nico Varela in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Delve into the revolutionary concept of 'queer phenomenology' and discover how it challenges traditional perceptions of sound, identity, and the world around us."

In a world dominated by visual stimuli, the realm of sound often plays a secondary role, relegated to the background noise of our daily lives. But what if sound, in its raw and unfiltered form, held the key to unlocking deeper understandings of ourselves and the world around us? Enter 'queer phenomenology,' a groundbreaking approach that challenges our conventional perceptions of sound, identity, and reality.

Drawing inspiration from the work of Sara Ahmed and recent advancements in sound studies, queer phenomenology posits that sound, in its very essence, can be 'queer' – non-normative, resistant, and transformative. This perspective invites us to question the familiar, to explore the hidden dimensions of auditory experience, and to reconsider how sound shapes our understanding of space, identity, and social interaction.

This article will delve into the core concepts of queer phenomenology, exploring how it challenges traditional notions of sound and opens up new avenues for understanding the complexities of human experience. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your understanding of the world expanded as we embark on a journey into the uncharted territories of sound.

The Queerness of Sound: Challenging the Normative

Surreal cityscape transformed by sound waves and queer symbolism

At the heart of queer phenomenology lies the assertion that sound, as a fundamental aspect of our sensory experience, possesses the potential to disrupt and challenge normative structures. This 'queerness' of sound manifests in its resistance to easy categorization, its ability to evoke unexpected emotions and associations, and its capacity to reveal hidden aspects of our environment.

Consider the concept of 'field recording,' a practice that involves capturing sounds in their natural environment. Traditional approaches to field recording often focus on capturing 'legible sonic traces' – sounds that can be easily identified and interpreted. However, queer phenomenology encourages us to pay attention to the moments where sound resists transcription, where it defies our attempts to impose meaning and order.

Moments of Silence: The absence of expected sounds can be just as revealing as their presence.
Unidentifiable Noises: Sounds that defy easy categorization challenge our assumptions about the environment.
Overlapping Sounds: The chaotic interplay of multiple sounds can create a sense of disorientation and reveal the complexity of auditory experience.

These moments of sonic resistance, according to queer phenomenology, offer valuable insights into the non-normative aspects of our world. They remind us that reality is not always easily captured or understood and that the act of listening can be a powerful tool for challenging dominant narratives.

Redefining Our Sonic Reality

Queer phenomenology offers a transformative lens through which to understand the world of sound. By embracing the non-normative, challenging traditional assumptions, and paying attention to the moments of sonic resistance, we can unlock new understandings of ourselves, our environment, and the complex interplay between sound, identity, and experience. This is about embracing the queerness that exists all around us.