Queer criminology

This chapter explores the intersection between the concepts of queer and criminology in relation to the discipline of criminology broadly, and more specifically in relation to the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer women in criminal processing systems (including policing and prisons) in Australia and New Zealand. The chapter contextualises this discussion by drawing on the historical policing and punishment experiences of these women, and how queer social movements have influenced how these women experience criminal processing systems. The chapter will then introduce readers to queer criminological theories and demonstrate their importance using local case studies and research. This discussion will point up the central importance of queer criminology for enabling people to challenge the heteronormative and cisnormative structures embedded within Australian and New Zealand criminal processing systems.