Born this way

Only author and noted queer-studies theorist J. Jack Halberstam can take Lady Gaga, toss in a quote or two from SpongeBob SquarePants, mix in personal stories concerning the usefulness of men's briefs, add a handful of romantic comedies and an examination of Finding Nemo, and have it all make sense. In Halberstam's newest work, Gaga Feminism: Sex, Gender, and the End of Normal (Beacon Press, $26.95), she explores these issues through the lens of Lady Gaga and proves that theory can be fun.