Judith Butler

About the author

Born in Cleveland in 1956, Judith Butler is one of the most influential American philosophers working at the intersection of feminist theory, queer studies, and political philosophy. Best known for Gender Trouble (1990) and Bodies That Matter (1993), Butler developed the landmark theory of gender performativity, fundamentally challenging heteronormative conceptions of gender and identity. A longtime faculty member at UC Berkeley, where they hold the Maxine Elliot Professorship, Butler also cofounded the Program in Critical Theory there and the International Consortium of Critical Theory.

Their work extends into ethics, war, public mourning, and democratic theory.