Teresa de Lauretis, Coiner (and Critic) of Queer Theory, Dies at 87

Teresa de Lauretis, a renowned Italian-American scholar and critic, passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 87. De Lauretis was a prominent figure in the field of queer theory, and her work had a significant impact on the academic and cultural landscape.

De Lauretis was born on December 15, 1938, in Bologna, Italy. She earned her Ph.D. in comparative literature from Harvard University and went on to become a professor of English and comparative literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

De Lauretis is best known for coining the term 'queer theory' in 1990, which referred to a critical approach to understanding the complexities of gender and sexuality. Her work challenged traditional notions of identity and challenged the dominant narratives of the time.

De Lauretis was a prolific writer and published numerous books and articles on topics such as feminist theory, queer studies, and cultural studies. Her work was widely read and respected, and she was a sought-after speaker and lecturer.

De Lauretis's legacy extends beyond her academic contributions. She was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was a key figure in the development of queer theory as a distinct field of study.

The news of de Lauretis's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the academic and LGBTQ+ communities. Her work will continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.

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[7] Teresa de Lauretis, Coiner (and Critic) of Queer Theory, Dies at 87