Paul B. Preciado

2017-06-07 Documenta 14 Paul B. Preciado by Olaf Kosinsky-10

Paul B. Preciado
Born	Beatriz Preciado 1970 Burgos, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Occupation	Philosopher, writer, curator
Notable work	Testo Junkie

Paul B. Preciado (born 1970) is a Spanish philosopher, writer, and curator. He is a prominent figure in the fields of gender studies, queer theory, and transgender studies. Preciado is known for his critical analysis of gender, sexuality, and biopolitics.

Early Life and Education

Preciado was born in Burgos, Spain, in 1970. He initially studied philosophy and gender theory at the New School for Social Research in New York City, where he was influenced by the works of Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, and Monique Wittig.

Career

Preciado's work spans across various disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and art. He has held academic positions at several institutions, including the Université Paris VIII and the European Graduate School.

Writing

Preciado is the author of several influential books. His most notable work, Testo Junkie: Sex, Drugs, and Biopolitics in the Pharmacopornographic Era, explores the intersections of pharmacology, pornography, and gender identity. In this book, Preciado documents his own use of testosterone as a form of gender transition and a political act.

Other significant works include Manifiesto contrasexual and Pornotopia: An Essay on Playboy's Architecture and Biopolitics. These texts challenge traditional notions of sexuality and gender, advocating for a more fluid and inclusive understanding of these concepts.

Curatorial Work

In addition to his writing, Preciado has curated numerous exhibitions and art projects that address themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. His curatorial projects often incorporate multimedia elements and aim to provoke critical thought and dialogue.

Personal Life

Preciado publicly came out as a transgender man in 2014. He has been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

Influence and Legacy

Preciado's work has had a significant impact on contemporary gender theory and queer studies. His writings and curatorial projects continue to inspire and challenge scholars, activists, and artists around the world.

Selected Bibliography

• Testo Junkie: Sex, Drugs, and Biopolitics in the Pharmacopornographic Era
• Manifiesto contrasexual
• Pornotopia: An Essay on Playboy's Architecture and Biopolitics

See Also

• Gender studies
• Queer theory
• Transgender studies
• Michel Foucault
• Judith Butler
• Monique Wittig