In contemporary society, literature has played an essential role in shaping public perceptions about issues related to identity, gender, and sexual orientation.
The literary canon that consists of works considered most important and influential in the history of literature often excludes texts written by authors who identify themselves as queer or whose work explores themes related to queerness. This marginalization results from historical and cultural factors that have influenced the development of the canon and can be perpetuated through academic practices and institutional structures. Conversely, some voices within the literary community challenge this marginalization by promoting inclusive perspectives that recognize the significance of queer literatures and their creators. This essay will discuss how the literary canon both perpetuates and challenges the marginalization of queer voices.
It is important to understand what constitutes the literary canon and why certain texts are included while others are omitted. The canon refers to a group of works deemed worthy of study and appreciation by academics and scholars because they meet specific criteria such as literary quality, historical importance, social impact, and artistic merit. These criteria are subjective and have been formed through various social forces, including colonialism, capitalism, racism, patriarchy, and homophobia. As a result, many canonical texts feature heteronormative narratives that reinforce traditional ideas about masculinity, femininity, and sexuality, thereby marginalizing non-conforming identities.
William Shakespeare's plays depict heterosexual relationships between men and women as idealized forms of romance and love, ignoring the possibility of same-sex attraction or queer experiences.
Classic novels like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald present gender roles and stereotypes that privilege cisgendered people and exclude transgender and nonbinary individuals.
The academic field of literature also contributes to the exclusion of queer voices from the canon by focusing on texts that conform to dominant ideologies and values. Academic gatekeepers determine which books should be taught in college courses, published in scholarly journals, or analyzed in academic conferences, often favoring those that follow established paradigms and conform to conventional standards. This means that queer authors who challenge these norms may not receive recognition or acknowledgment for their work, even if it is groundbreaking and innovative.
James Baldwin's novel "Giovanni's Room" explores themes of race, class, and sexual orientation but was initially rejected by mainstream publishers because it challenged societal expectations of what constitutes an acceptable literary text. Similarly, Audre Lorde's poetry collection "The Cancer Journals" addresses issues related to illness, racial identity, and sexuality but has only recently been recognized as a canonical text despite its significance.
There are initiatives within the literary community that aim to disrupt this marginalization by celebrating the contributions of queer writers and promoting diverse perspectives.
Organizations such as the Lambda Literary Foundation advocate for the inclusion of queer voices in literary spaces and provide resources and support for emerging authors. In addition, publications like The Advocate Magazine feature articles about queer literature and promote the works of underrepresented authors. These efforts have resulted in increased visibility for queer creators and made it possible for new voices to enter the literary landscape.
While the literary canon has historically excluded queer voices from being considered valuable or significant, there are efforts to challenge this status quo through inclusive practices and initiatives. Nonetheless, more needs to be done to ensure that all forms of expression are represented and celebrated equally, regardless of gender, sexuality, or identity. By recognizing the value of queer literatures and their creators, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society that appreciates diverse experiences and perspectives.
How does the literary canon perpetuate or challenge the marginalization of queer voices?
The literary canon plays an important role in shaping our cultural narratives and beliefs about what is considered valuable and significant literature. While it includes many works that have been celebrated for their artistic merit and enduring themes, the canon has historically excluded and marginalized queer voices and experiences. This can be seen in the limited representation of LGBTQ+ characters in canonical texts and the way these representations are often negative or stereotypical.