There is a growing body of literature that explores the complexities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities through their experiences of coming to terms with their sexual orientation and gender expression. These stories often depict how individuals navigate the social and personal challenges of living outside traditional norms, and have been widely recognized for their power to challenge conventional notions of identity. In this essay, I will argue that LGBT narratives of self-discovery can be interpreted as philosophical meditations on the instability of identity and the fluidity of being itself. By examining the ways in which these stories question our assumptions about what it means to be human, they provide insight into broader philosophical debates about subjectivity and ontology.
Let's consider the concept of identity. Identity refers to the way we perceive ourselves and present ourselves to others. It encompasses our beliefs, values, behaviors, and interactions with others.
Identity is not static or fixed; rather, it is constantly shaped by external factors such as culture, environment, and socialization. This view is reflected in many LGBT narratives, where characters struggle to reconcile their internal sense of self with the expectations placed upon them by society.
In Angela Carter's short story "The Erlking," the protagonist struggles to come to terms with her attraction to women while also navigating the strict gender roles of her small town community. As she says, "I knew no more than any other girl who had grown up in a tiny village like mine did of the world of men and women, but my heart told me I was going to belong there."
LGBT narratives challenge the idea that identity is inherently stable. Rather, they suggest that identity is a process of negotiation between the individual and their surroundings. This perspective aligns with phenomenological philosophy, which argues that reality is always in flux and cannot be fully known. In this context, identity becomes an ongoing project, one that requires constant attention and revision. This can be seen in Jeanette Winterson's novel "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," where the protagonist grapples with her sexuality throughout adolescence and into adulthood. She reflects, "Everything about me has changed except my face. My hair has gotten shorter. My voice has dropped. But I am still the same person underneath. The same soul. And I know what I want now."
LGBT narratives highlight the fluidity of being itself. They show how identities are not fixed or static, but rather constantly evolving and changing over time. This view challenges traditional philosophical conceptions of the self as a fixed entity, and instead suggests that our understanding of ourselves is contingent upon our experiences and interactions with others.
Maggie Nelson's book "The Argonauts" explores her non-binary gender identity and her relationship with her partner, who is transgender. Throughout the book, she writes, "I thought it might make sense to begin by saying: we have become someone else. We have remade our lives."
LGBT narratives of self-discovery offer important insights into the nature of identity and being. By questioning traditional assumptions about these concepts, they invite us to consider broader philosophical questions about subjectivity and ontology. These stories remind us that identity is never fixed or stable, but rather always in flux, shaped by our relationships with others and the wider world around us. As such, they can be interpreted as powerful philosophical meditations on the instability of identity and the fluidity of being itself.
In what ways can LGBT narratives of self-discovery be interpreted as philosophical meditations on the instability of identity and the fluidity of being itself?
The experiences and stories shared by people who identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) often focus on personal journeys of self-discovery that are marked by ambiguities, uncertainties, and complexities in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity. These narratives reflect on the human condition of having an inherently dynamic sense of oneself which is influenced by various social, cultural, and historical factors.