Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick (1950–2009)

04.13.09

Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, one of the pioneers of gay and lesbian studies and queer theory, has passed away. Sedgwick used scholarship and lyrical prose to explore the widespread effects of homosocial, homosexual, and homophobic currents in Western culture. In addition, she published poetry, a memoir, and essays on affect, psychoanalytic theory, and Buddhism. Her publications include Touching Feeling: Affect, Pedagogy, Performativity, (2003); Tendencies (1993); and Between Men: English Literature and Male Homosocial Desire (l985); and her memoir, A Dialogue on Love (1999).

Sedgwick had received her Ph.D. from Yale University in 1975, and had most recently taught at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, since 1998. Prior to her affiliation with CUNY, she was the Newman Ivey White Professor of English at Duke University, and had taught writing and literature at Hamilton College, Boston University, and Amherst College.