LGBTQ Philosophers and Teachers of Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of human existence, its reality, and how individuals and society interact and organize themselves. The practice has been around, formally and informally, since the beginning of time as humans contemplated their existence in the wider world. As the study has matured into a formalized academic process, it has encompassed issues such as morals, ethics, governance, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, sociology, and more. The role of sexuality and desire is a component of philosophy, so it is natural that the LGBTQ community have been active participants.

Because philosophy encompasses the realms of the political and the religious, there have been many times that LGBTQ philosophers and their writings have clashed with persons of authority in these areas. For example, Italian LGBTQ philosopher Tommaso Campanella spent 27 years in a Spanish jail where he wrote his greatest works.

The most notable component of philosophy relevant to the LGBTQ community may be the evolution of Queer Theory. France's Guy Hocquenghem is considered the father of Queer Theory. Many other well-known LGBTQ philosophers include Michel Foucault, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Judith Butler.

The American Association of Philosophy publishes a newsletter on LGBTQ issues in philosophy, and The Society for Lesbian and Gay Philosophy has existed since 1998.

This list should be read in conjunction with Greek Philosophers and their LGBTQ Scholars which profiles a subset of LGBTQ philosophers. We have been able to identify the following additional LGBTQ individuals who are notable Philosophers and teachers of Philosophy.

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