The following discussion explores how the political criminalization of queer eroticism perpetuates preexisting power structures. As a result of this political move, there is an increased risk of human rights violations against queer individuals who are seen as deviant from society's normative ideals. This paper will examine the interconnectedness between heteronormativity and cisheteropatriarchy to demonstrate how oppressive systems of domination have historically operated through criminalizing forms of non-heterosexual desire and expression. Moreover, it will argue that the policing of sexual acts by state institutions not only targets marginalized people but also reinforces societal control mechanisms.
Political criminalization refers to the practice of criminalizing specific activities or behaviors deemed undesirable or immoral by the government. In this case, we will consider how such policies have been used to target LGBTQ+ communities for centuries, especially when it comes to their intimate lives. The historical context of these policies reveals that they have always served to maintain gender binaries and hierarchies in various ways, which continues today.
Same-sex relationships were illegal until recently in many parts of the world due to their association with gender transgression; even after being legalized, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people still face social stigma and discrimination based on their identities. Meanwhile, transgender individuals may be denied access to healthcare services if they do not conform to traditional gender roles. By enforcing these laws, governments reaffirm dominant conceptions about masculinity and femininity while punishing those who challenge them.
Criminalizing queer eroticism serves as a tool to maintain class differences since low-income individuals are disproportionately affected by these policies. When police officers raid clubs or bars where members of the community gather, they often arrest more Black and Latinx individuals than white ones (Garner & McGlothlin, 2015). This is because queer culture has historically been linked to working-class communities and seen as an affront to middle-class values of respectability. As a result, poor people can become trapped in cycles of poverty as they are unable to gain employment opportunities due to past convictions. Moreover, prisons perpetuate this divide through forced sexual labor and abuse within correctional facilities (Ross, 2008).
Political criminalization also reinforces racist power structures that privilege whiteness over other races/ethnicities. The policing of queerness creates a racial hierarchy where White people benefit from their heterosexual status while non-white individuals must perform it to survive in society (King & Trimble, 2016; Moore, 2011).
HIV/AIDS epidemics have primarily affected gay men of color yet have had minimal impact on White gay men despite being equally susceptible (Dugger, 2007). Meanwhile, transgender women of color face higher rates of police violence than cisgender people (Parker et al., 2019). In summary, this discussion demonstrates how the legal framework around intimate relationships preserves existing social hierarchies related to race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The conclusion summarizes the key points made in the article and emphasizes the importance of recognizing how oppressive systems operate beyond individual acts of discrimination. It is crucial for us all to recognize our role in maintaining these power dynamics by challenging them wherever possible and advocating for policies that promote equity and justice. By doing so, we can create a more just world for everyone regardless of their identity or background. Thank you for your time reading this piece!
How does the political criminalization of queer eroticism preserve existing power hierarchies?
Due to the stigmatized nature of homosexuality, the state's control over sexual orientation has been used as a tool for oppression and social control. While it may appear that queerness is now becoming more accepted, there are still many ways in which the heteronormative majority uses this control to maintain their dominance.