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Paper short abstract:

Fusing film and game theory with affects of care, this art-based project celebrates and breaks down Queer Joy as a point of representation for Queer people. Using art and haptic technology in games, the project looks into translating the embodied emotional experiences of Queer players as they experience joy, valuing their emotions in play. Culminating in creation of a haptic game, this project aims to inspire Queer Joy in audiences.

Paper long abstract:

When was the last time you saw a joyful queer on TV (or for that matter a queer character that actually lasted for a few episodes and didn't die)? Can't remember? Don't worry, this project has got you covered!

Inspired by and working with Black Joy, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Toi Dericotte, Jack Halberstam, and a dash of Rupaul's Drag Race, this art and games based research explores what Queer Joy can be, using methods of care as it's main point of navigation. Breaking down the beautiful twinkling experience that is Joy into Self-care, Care, and the messiness of Joy, this research uses methods of embodiment, experience, emotions and games to take such a study out of the academic field, instead aiming to create ways in which Queer people can experience and be reminded of their capacity for Joy in their every day lives. Fusing methods of care within the Queer community, affects of care for Queer people, and Queer game and film theory, this research employs these methods into the ongoing creation of a tangible haptic sensorial game, in order to inspire joy in audiences outside of academia. Providing an antidote to so called "queer" media's prevailing narratives of shame and trauma, this project aims to reinterpret (or fix) current representations of Queer people in media, whilst valuing Queer embodied emotional experience during play as an anthropological method, using care and the joy it brings for Queer people to create healing representations made for and by our community.