Social media platforms have become increasingly influential in shaping our understanding of identity and self-presentation, including in relation to LGBTQ+ individuals. Queer communities often express themselves through various mediums such as art, photography, music, poetry, and film, among others.
Can these expressions be curated into something that is less authentic and more performative? Does this curated form of queer expression still possess moral value? In this article, I will explore how queer expression can be curated on social media and argue that it does indeed contain moral virtue.
Queer expression involves various forms of creativity and self-expression that challenge societal norms and expectations about gender, sexuality, and relationships. These expressions may include body modifications, fashion choices, language usage, and even personal narratives.
Drag shows are a common example of a queer performance art where artists put on makeup and costumes to perform exaggerated feminine or masculine characteristics. Similarly, tattooing, piercing, and other forms of body modification can be seen as an expression of individuality and rejection of conventional beauty standards.
Using gender-neutral pronouns and rejecting binary gender roles challenge societal expectations of what it means to be a man or woman.
When we look at queer representation on social media, it becomes clear that much of it has been curated for the purpose of gaining followers or likes rather than being genuinely authentic. This phenomenon is known as 'curating' which refers to creating content specifically designed to appeal to certain audiences. One could argue that curated queer expressions lack moral virtue because they prioritize popularity over honesty and authenticity. But, I would disagree. While curated queer expressions may not be completely truthful in their depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals, there is still value in presenting these perspectives to wider audiences who might otherwise be unaware or uncomfortable with them. By showcasing diverse representations of queerness through Instagram posts and TikTok videos, for example, we create more visibility and understanding among non-LGBTQ+ people.
Some queer individuals may use social media to express themselves in ways that are not always acceptable in everyday life.
Drag shows may include performances that push boundaries, such as sexual acts or explicit language, which might not be appropriate for all viewers.
This does not mean that queer performance art lacks moral virtue; rather, it simply challenges traditional views on sex and relationships. Similarly, tattoo artists may choose to express themselves through body modifications that are not widely accepted by society but can still contain deep personal meaning and significance.
While curated forms of queer expression on social media may lack complete authenticity, they still possess moral virtue in terms of promoting visibility and challenging societal norms.
Can moral virtue exist in curated forms of queer expression on social media?
Moral virtue cannot be confined within an artificially narrow framework such as "curated forms of queer expression" because it is a complex concept that encompasses not only individual experiences but also societal norms and values. Therefore, it is difficult to define a specific type of behavior or expression as inherently virtuous or vice versa. Queer individuals may choose to express themselves creatively and authentically online while still adhering to their personal standards for ethical conduct.