In the context of queer philosophical language, can "utopia" be used as a verb rather than a noun? That is to say, can we conceive of a way of living that goes beyond the binary distinction between heteronormativity and homonormativity, and instead encompasses all forms of non-normative embodied existence? This question has been explored extensively in recent years, particularly in the work of queer theorists such as Judith Butler and Jack Halberstam, who argue for the need to move beyond binaries and toward a more fluid understanding of gender and sexuality. In this article, I will explore how this concept relates to utopian thinking, and consider whether it is possible to imagine a world where utopia is no longer simply a static state but an active process of becoming.
Let's define what we mean by "utopia". The term was coined by Sir Thomas More in his novel of the same name, which describes an ideal society free from poverty, disease, violence, and oppression. Utopia has since become synonymous with perfection and perfectionism, but it also carries connotations of unattainability and impossibility. As sociologist Zygmunt Bauman notes, "Utopia is not just about imagining the perfect city; it is also about making real the perfect life – that is, making it exist." In other words, utopia is not just a place or a state of being, but an ongoing project that requires constant effort and experimentation.
This brings us back to our original question: Can utopia be a verb rather than a noun? If so, what might that look like in practice? One possibility is to think of utopia as an endless process of transformation and transgression. Instead of seeking to create a perfectly harmonious society, we could strive towards a perpetual state of becoming-utopian, where we are always pushing against the boundaries of normativity and seeking new ways of being together. This would require us to move beyond rigid categories such as male/female, straight/gay, cisgender/trans, and even human/nonhuman, and embrace a more fluid understanding of identity and desire.
Butler and Halberstam have both explored this idea in their work. Butler argues for a concept she calls "critical queerness", which involves "rethinking gender categories" and "refusing to take them at face value". She suggests that we should challenge the binary between masculine and feminine, and instead envision new forms of embodiment and expression that defy traditional expectations. Halberstam takes a similar approach, proposing the concept of "queer temporality" as a way of thinking about time outside of the constraints of linearity and chronology. Both authors suggest that we can use queer theory to explore new possibilities for living and loving, beyond the confines of hetero/homo binaries.
Of course, this doesn't mean rejecting all existing social structures or institutions. Rather, it means using them as platforms for experimentation and creativity, rather than taking them as fixed points of reference. It means challenging the dominant narratives around sexuality and relationships, and opening ourselves up to new ways of being together.
We might imagine a world where people could choose their own genders and identities, rather than being forced into rigid categories based on biological sex. We might also think about how non-normative relationships – such as polyamory, open relationships, or kink – could be legitimized and incorporated into our society.
Utopia cannot be reduced to a single definition or ideal state. Instead, it is an active process of becoming, one that requires us to constantly question and transform our assumptions about gender, sexuality, and relationships. By redefining what we mean by utopia, we can create a more inclusive and liberating vision for the future, one that embraces diversity and rejects the limitations of binary thinking.
Can utopia be a verb rather than a noun in queer philosophical language?
The idea of "utopia" can refer both to a place and a state of being, but it is also commonly used as a verb to describe an idealized way of life or a goal that one strives for. In queer philosophy, the term can take on additional meanings related to sexuality, identity, and social justice.