Queer Theory Ks
Thesis: Queer Theory Kritiks are a relatively commonplace Kritik on the circuit, typically read in a pessimistic fashion (abbreviated as Queerpess or QueerPess), but can similarly be articulated through lenses of futurism or nihilism. The thesis of the Kritik begins with the orientation of civil society towards deviance (those who deviate from its norms); for example, a common thesis-level claim in Queer Pessimism is that civil society's futuristic lens, i.e., protecting the future from a threat, marks justification for repression. A pessimistic interpretation of Queer Theory would argue that, on the basis of this security lens that society possesses, it is irredeemable, and we should thus not engage with society. Futuristic Queer Theory differs in its orientation towards the world. As the name may suggest, it does not openly condemn society as irredeemable, but instead isolates antiqueerness in society and poses the thought that there is a departure from that antiqueerness into a better future. Similarly, nihilism takes pessimism a step further and makes it material, turning order into disorder and calling for an active revolt against civil society.
Though the line between Pessimism and Nihilism can sometimes be obscured, the best way to think of it is that Pessimism is more abstract. Since Pessimism thinks in terms of symbolic value, it thinks more in an abstract interpretation of what queerness/deviance might be and how that might be rejected (baedan typically thinks through this lens, though also takes nihilistic directions). Nihilism is more direct and material, directly declaring war on society and thinking through concrete rejection of society (Eric A. Stanley is a very material thinker and utilizes a more nihilistic lens).
Link: A simple but common link to an Affirmative, for a debater reading Queer Theory, is the Affirmative's engagement within the structures of the state. Regardless of the lens of the authors, Queer Theory is generally less willing to work within the structures of the state (with Pessimism and Nihilism openly refusing to do so), and so use of the state can serve as a link to the criticism. Generally, however, the Kritik rests upon the notion that the Affirmative's rhetoric, representations, actions, or any combination of assumptions made by the Aff are inherently problematic in that they reify difference and retrench oppression.
Impact: The impact depends on the literature base (Queer Theory is quite a broad lit base), but a common author on this Kritik is baedan. baedan makes it quite clear that any violence is justified via reproductive futurism (the thesis of the Kritik, that protecting the future from threats and securing said future is good, which is harmful), which gives a clear impact of total violence. The Aff's mindset, orientation to the world, or actions will reify antiqueerness in debate and possibly the real world.
Alt: There are numerous different forms the alternative within a Queer Theory Kritik can take, which typically stem from the literature base and lens those authors take. For example, authors like Stanley (a nihilist) typically advocate for refusal - refusing the ideas of antiqueerness in debate through rejecting the Aff - as well as broader calls for revolt or similar. Political apostasy is also a common alternative which engages in a rejection of the political sphere.
Though Edelman is a common author for Queer Pessimism, Edelman is often seen as a problematic source due to being transphobic and/or racist.
Common authors in the realm of Queer Theory include baedan, Puar (though a more difficult read due to its postmodernist lens), and Stanley.
Good Reads:
baedan's works - available for free online, https://theanarchistlibrary.org/category/author/baedan
Stanley, 2011, "Near Life, Queer Death: Overkill and Ontological Capture."