In literature and art, marginalized identities have been denied a place for centuries, including those related to gender and sexuality. This has resulted in biased cultural memory that privileges dominant perspectives while omitting important contributions from queer creators. Such exclusions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce oppressive social structures.
Recent movements to reclaim these voices are beginning to challenge this erasure and expand cultural understanding of LGBTQ+ people. By examining the impact of past exclusion and presenting alternative narratives, society can learn to appreciate diverse experiences and create more inclusive histories.
The historical record of literary and artistic production is largely controlled by cisgender heterosexual individuals who uphold traditional values and ideas. This has led to a canon of works that represents white, male, and straight perspectives as the norm, leaving out other viewpoints.
Michel Foucault argued that "sexuality" was often defined through repression, creating an illusion of "normalcy." Thus, any expression beyond this narrow definition was considered deviant and suppressed.
This exclusion has had far-reaching consequences, including the perception that non-heteronormative identities do not exist or merit attention. As a result, queer artists' work has been forgotten or ignored, leading to misinformation and misunderstanding about their communities.
Many people believe that same-sex relationships were never recognized or accepted before modern times, despite evidence otherwise.
Queer artists have responded with various reclamation efforts, such as the LGBTQ+ pride movement which seeks to celebrate and acknowledge their identities. These groups seek to bring attention to underrepresented perspectives and promote acceptance. Some also use literature and art to challenge stereotypes and provide new interpretations of identity.
Audre Lorde's poetry explores themes of Black womanhood while expressing her queerness.
By including these voices in cultural memory, society can better understand the diversity of human experience and dispel harmful myths. It could also lead to more inclusive policies and attitudes towards gender and sexuality. A fully inclusive canon would represent all individuals equally, allowing for greater appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.
The exclusion of queer voices from literary and artistic canons has shaped societal understanding of gender and sexuality in negative ways. Reclamation efforts are starting to counteract this bias, but much remains to be done to create an accurate and holistic record of history. By embracing diverse narratives, we can appreciate the richness of human experience and build more equitable societies.