The idea that queer subculture can be defined by its own values and practices related to sexuality is well known.
Less discussed is how these practices may also shape a unique form of political belonging. This paper will explore how the concept of "queer" has evolved from being simply a label for an identity category to a way of understanding power dynamics within social relations. It will argue that this new understanding has allowed queers to redefine their relationship with politics through what I call "erotic relationality." Erotic relationality refers to the act of creating intimate bonds between individuals based on shared interests, desires, and sensual experiences rather than traditional hierarchies such as gender or race. This approach challenges the normative structures of power that dictate who gets to participate in decision making processes and allows for alternative forms of governance to emerge.
In order to understand how erotic relationality shapes political belonging among queers, it is important to consider how the term has been used historically. The word 'queer' was originally meant as a derogatory term for homosexuals but was later reclaimed as an empowering identifier by LGBTQ activists during the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969 (Halberstam 2011). Since then, the word has come to represent an umbrella term for anyone outside heteronormativity including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, and others who do not identify with mainstream sexualities (Bordo 2004). Queerness has become associated with resistance against oppression on multiple fronts including racialized inequality, economic exploitation, and environmental destruction (Kondo-Brown 2018; Sharpe 2017). In other words, being queer means embracing difference and refusing to conform to dominant social expectations about sexuality and gender identity.
The concept of queer subculture emerged from this sense of resistance against normativity. Subcultures are groups defined by their distinct lifestyle choices based on shared interests and practices (Hebdige 1979). They form around particular identities or values such as punk rock or skateboarding culture. Queer subculture can be seen as a way of resisting mainstream culture through its rejection of traditional forms of power dynamics like heterosexuality and cisnormativity (Gayle Rubin). This includes rejecting binary gender roles (man/woman), monogamy, and marriage (Nestlé 2005). Instead, it embraces nontraditional relationships such as polyamory, open marriages, and kink communities that prioritize pleasure over reproduction (Johnson 2009).
There has been a growing interest in studying how erotic relationality shapes political belonging within queer subcultures (Morgan 2013). Erotic relationality refers to the act of creating intimate bonds between individuals based on shared interests, desires, and sensual experiences rather than traditional hierarchies such as gender or race. It involves recognizing the potential for intimacy beyond what is prescribed by mainstream society and exploring new ways of connecting with others.
Some queers have argued that consensual non-monogamy can lead to more equitable relationships because it allows partners to negotiate power dynamics outside of traditional models (Bushnell 2017). In addition, BDSM communities often challenge normative ideas about pain and violence by creating safe spaces where people can explore their sexuality without fear of judgment or repression (Weise 2018). By challenging these norms, they create alternative governance structures based on mutual respect and trust instead of hierarchy or domination (Halberstam 2016).
This paper demonstrates how erotic relationality can be used as an analytical tool to understand how queer subculture redefines political belonging through its unique approach to intimacy and pleasure. The concept of queerness emerged from resistance against oppression on multiple fronts including racialized inequality, economic exploitation, and environmental destruction. Queer subcultures form around distinct lifestyle choices based on shared values such as polyamory, open marriages, and kink communities. Through erotic relationality, they are able to create alternative forms of government based on mutual respect and trust instead of hierarchy or domination. This has important implications for understanding how we think about power in our own lives and those around us.
How do queer subcultures redefine political belonging through erotic relationality, and what alternative governance emerges?
Queer subcultures have challenged traditional ideas about sexuality and gender norms by creating new ways of expressing themselves and defining relationships. This has led to an increased emphasis on erotic relationality as a means of connecting with others and creating communities.