Abstract

The research contained in this thesis suggests multiple possible points of intersection between political economy and cultural studies. It looks at the production of the World OutGames in Montreal and the gay and lesbian commodity, and the subsequent effort to contain radical queer activism for the tourism industry and the local commercial media industry. This thesis examines the role of media in commodifying content, reflecting existing heteronorrnative ideologies and values. Specifically, this thesis examines the gay and lesbian commodity by the first World OutGames and its sponsors, and contrasts it with content analysis from local commercial media (including mainstream, free-weeklies, and gay media). The thesis concludes that the OutGames prioritized profits over activism, therefore dividing a seemingly cohesive community.