Beyoncé in the World: Making Meaning with Queen Bey in Troubled Times

This collection of essays examines Beyoncé’s global impact.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has redefined stardom, feminism, Black representation, and celebrity activism. Sixteen international scholars explore Beyoncé’s impact as an artist and public figure from critical race studies, gender and women’s studies, queer and cultural studies, music, and fan studies. They analyze Beyoncé’s musical persona, which builds on Black female cool, Black southern culture, and Black feminist cultural production. The authors explore Beyoncé’s reception in and beyond North America, showing how various performers, from YouTube gospel singers to Brazilian pop artists, have been inspired by her. Beyoncé’s music provides healing and kinship for many fans, especially Black women and queer communities of color.