Homosexuality and heterosexuality have become important topics during the early twenty-first century. However, these qualities already existed and have been preoccupying the minds of countless theorists and critics for several years. Homosexuality is not only a common feature in the twenty-first century world, but has also developed into a literary criticism known as “queer theory.” The theory is to evaluate the unity between male and female counterparts within the same individual. Queer theory works in a way that ultimately discards differences in gender and sexuality between characters. Some theorists “use the term to apply it specifically to gender and sexual orientations (such as transgender) that challenge or complicate the presumed alliance between sexual identity and gender identity” (Grant 363). Queer theory originated around the 1990s, when heterosexuality began to be questioned by the psychological and cultural aspects of individuals and society. As the theory emerged, Alexander Doty recognized the ability to understand texts through the perceptions of queer theory (Grant 363). Judith Butler, theorist and philosopher, is also associated with the rise of queer theory. Butler conveyed the idea that “gender is a fluid variable, without an independent existence of its own, and shifts and changes depending on a person's context” (Ruttenberg 317). Butler believes that some actions undermine a binary gender system; therefore, a more “equal” society can emerge where individuals are not limited to certain male and female roles (Ruttenberg 317). Cross-dressing, or dressing in clothing typically worn by members of the opposite sex, has also influenced the idea of ​​queer theory. As a result, gender differences... middle of paper... Reference Library. Network. April 15, 2014.Ruttenberg, Danya. "Butler, Judith." Jewish Encyclopedia. Ed. Michael Berenbaum and Fred Skolnik. 2nd ed. vol. 4. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. 317. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. May 6, 2014.Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night; or, Whatever you want... [Rev. and. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1954. Print."Transvestite." Gender and sexuality issues: essential primary sources. Ed. K. Lee Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and Adrienne Wilmoth Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 185-187. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. April 14, 2014."Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare." Shakespearean criticism. Ed. Michael L. LaBlanc. vol. 74. Detroit: Gale Group, 2003. 187-297. Literary criticism online. Storm. OUR LADY OF LOURDES ACADEMY. April 15, 2014 http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitCrit/olla123/FJ4094150004