The connection between music and queerness is an intricate one that has been explored through various lenses and perspectives for decades. Music can be used to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences related to queerness, such as love, joy, hope, sadness, and struggle. In this essay, we will explore how music becomes a site of queer possibility—resonating across scarcity, silence, marginalization—to produce catharsis, solidarity, and new musical futures.
Queerness has always been seen as deviant, different, and unusual, which makes it difficult to express openly due to societal norms and expectations.
Music provides a way to express these feelings without explicitly stating them, allowing individuals to create their own space within the queer community.
The music genre of disco was created by queer people of color who were excluded from mainstream society during the 1960s and 1970s. The movement's emphasis on self-expression and individualism led to its popularity among gay communities, and it became a space where they could dance, socialize, and celebrate their identities. Disco music has become synonymous with queer culture, even though many non-queer people also enjoy it today.
Another way in which music resonates across scarcity, silence, and marginalization is through subcultures. Queer subcultures have often emerged around specific genres or styles of music, creating safe spaces where people can come together and share their experiences.
Punk rock music has been associated with queerness since its creation in the 1970s because it challenged traditional gender roles and sexuality norms. Punk musicians were often open about their sexual orientations, which inspired others to do the same. Today, there are numerous queer punk bands that continue to challenge societal norms through their lyrics and performances.
Music also becomes a site for catharsis when dealing with difficult emotions related to being queer. Songs such as "I Am What I Am" by Gloria Gaynor and "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga speak directly to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. These songs provide comfort and solidarity while acknowledging the difficulties of navigating life as a queer person.
Music can be used as a form of protest, with artists such as Green Day and Rage Against the Machine using their platform to advocate for queer rights. Their music resonates beyond just the individual listener, inspiring others to fight for equality and acceptance.
Music provides a space for queer individuals to express themselves freely, connect with like-minded peers, and create new musical futures. It allows them to challenge societal norms and expectations while providing catharsis and solidarity. The power of music lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and connect people across differences, making it an essential tool for creating change within the queer community.
How does music become a site of queer possibility—resonating across scarcity, silence, marginalization—to produce catharsis, solidarity and new musical futures?
Music can become a site of queer possibility by challenging heteronormativity through its ability to express and communicate non-conformist identities that resist mainstream expectations and dominant norms. The queerness of music lies not only in its sound but also in how it is produced and consumed, which can be seen as a form of resistance against oppression.