The term "queer" refers to an umbrella identity used by people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, intersex, or otherwise outside the heteronormative cisgender and binary gender categories. Queer activists have fought for their rights since the Stonewall riots of 1969, when LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against police brutality during a raid on a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood. In doing so, they made history as one of the most important social movements of the twentieth century. Today, queer struggles continue through advocacy organizations such as Gay Liberation Front and Queers United Against Racism.
This movement is not without its challenges, as many groups still face discrimination, violence, and marginalization due to their identities. This paper will explore how these experiences inform philosophical theories of equity and fairness.
Philosophy has long been interested in questions about what constitutes justice or fairness within society. Theories of distributive justice, for example, ask how resources should be distributed among citizens within a given community. Rawlsian theory emphasizes that resources should be allocated according to the principle of greatest benefit for all members of society. Kantian theory suggests that people should be treated as ends rather than means, with respect for their dignity and autonomy.
There are limitations to these theories when applied to queer communities.
If we were to apply Rawlsian principles to queer activism, would we still prioritize those who identify as cisgender men over those who do not? Similarly, can we truly respect the dignity of transgender individuals if we insist on limiting access to certain spaces based on biological sex?
Feminist philosophy offers additional insight into the complexities of gender-based oppression. Simone de Beauvoir argued that women's subordination was rooted in patriarchal societies where male dominance over females became the norm. Judith Butler further expanded upon this idea by arguing that gender is performative, meaning it is constructed through social norms and expectations. Her work on gender fluidity and nonbinary identity has influenced contemporary debates about transgender rights. These perspectives highlight the way gender norms shape power dynamics between individuals and groups, including within LGBTQ+ communities.
Queer struggles for equality also inform theories of intersectionality, which recognize that multiple identities intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination. Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term "intersectionality" to describe how race, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, etc., can overlap to create systemic barriers for individuals. This framework challenges traditional approaches to justice by emphasizing the need to consider all forms of marginalization at once. By recognizing the interconnected nature of oppressions, we can better understand why some groups face greater hardships than others and work towards equitable solutions.
Queer activism has shaped philosophical thought in important ways. Theories of equity and fairness must account for the unique experiences of those who identify as LGBTQ+ if they are to be truly just and inclusive. As such, scholars should continue engaging with queer voices to deepen their understanding of these issues and develop more nuanced frameworks for addressing them.
In what ways do queer struggles for social and political justice inform philosophical theories of equity and fairness?
The struggle for social and political justice by queers has informed many philosophical theories of equity and fairness. One way it has done so is through its emphasis on the importance of recognizing and respecting differences among individuals. Queer theory, for example, challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, which often privilege heteronormative identities and relationships. This has led to a greater recognition of the need to create more inclusive structures that accommodate diverse identities and experiences.