I will discuss how queer performance practices can teach us about the intersections between embodiment, temporality, and resistance.
Let's explore the concept of embodiment. Embodiment refers to the physical form or body that we inhabit. It is the material expression of who we are and how we interact with the world around us. As humans, we all have different bodies, which influence how we move through space and engage with others. This means that each individual has unique experiences and ways of being in the world, shaped by their physiological makeup, cultural background, and personal history.
Queer performance practices challenge traditional ideas about what it means to be human by celebrating non-conforming identities and challenging binary gender roles.
Drag shows often involve performers adopting exaggerated and non-traditional forms of femininity or masculinity, blurring the boundaries between genders. Drag performances emphasize the importance of self-expression and reimagining our bodies in new and exciting ways. By doing so, they challenge dominant discourses of what it means to be male or female, and invite audiences to question their own assumptions about gender identity.
Temporality refers to the way we experience time. Our experiences and memories are not fixed points in time but dynamic processes that change over time. We may remember events differently depending on when they occurred, our age at the time, or our current circumstances. Queer performance practices also play with temporality by exploring past eras and historical moments in a creative way.
Voguing originated among gay African American and Latino communities during the 1960s, drawing inspiration from Harlem ball culture. Voguing involves elaborate choreographed dance routines, music, and costumes, that embody both the energy and rhythm of disco music as well as the spirit of resistance against homophobia and racism. These performances reflect a particular moment in history while also creating something new and original.
Resistance is an active process of challenging power structures and societal norms. Throughout history, queer individuals have resisted oppression by reclaiming language, spaces, and identities that were once seen as taboo. Performance practices can be powerful tools for this purpose, creating safe spaces where marginalized voices can be heard and amplified.
The "Gay Liberation Front" staged protests during the Stonewall riots in New York City in the 1960s, demanding equality and freedom for all people regardless of sexual orientation. This act of resistance paved the way for future activists fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, drag shows continue to challenge heteronormativity, inviting audiences to question binary gender roles and celebrate self-expression. By combining embodiment, temporality, and resistance, queer performance practices offer unique insights into how we interact with ourselves and others. By engaging with these ideas, we can better understand our own bodies and the ways in which they shape our experiences.
What historical lessons can be drawn from queer performance practices regarding the relationship between embodiment, temporality, and resistance?
Throughout history, queer performers have used their bodies to challenge social norms and subvert dominant narratives of gender and sexuality. From drag performances that defy expectations of what is considered masculine or feminine, to body modification practices like tattooing and piercing, queer performers have pushed boundaries and challenged cultural taboos.