There has been an increase in discourse around the need for inclusivity within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community. This is largely due to the rise of intersectionality theory which argues that all forms of oppression are interconnected and cannot be understood separately from one another. The focus on inclusion and exclusion has become central to LGBT activism and political strategies. There are several ways in which this dialectic manifests in contemporary LGBT politics.
There is the issue of representation. Within the LGBT movement, different groups have been marginalized based on their race, class, gender identity, ability status, age, religion, etc. Therefore, many activists argue that it is necessary to ensure that all voices are heard equally and that no group is left behind. This has led to campaigns such as Black Lives Matter, Queer People of Color (QPOC), and Transgender Day of Remembrance which aim to highlight these issues.
Some activists have called for more diverse representation in LGBT media and entertainment in order to create a space where everyone can see themselves reflected.
There is the question of how to address homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Some believe that it is important to call out individuals who engage in these forms of bigotry while others advocate for understanding and education.
Some argue that homophobic language should not be used even if the person using it does not realize its offensive nature. Others suggest that people need to learn about the history and impact of such words before they can fully understand why they are problematic. It is clear that the debate around inclusivity vs. exclusion continues within the LGBT community.
There is the question of allies. Many activists argue that it is essential to include straight allies in the fight for equality as they can help spread awareness about LGBT issues.
Some feel that this can lead to tokenization and exploitation. They worry that straight allies may take over leadership roles or try to speak on behalf of LGBT people without truly understanding their experiences. Consequently, some have suggested creating spaces specifically designed for queer people so they can organize among themselves without the input of cis-het individuals.
There is the issue of intersectionality itself. There has been much debate about whether or not all identities should be included under the umbrella term 'LGBT'. Some argue that this erases important differences between groups and reinforces a heteronormative idea of sexuality and gender identity. Others contend that it is necessary to create coalitions with other marginalized communities such as racial justice activists in order to combat white supremacy which disproportionately affects LGBT people of color.
The dialectic of inclusion and exclusion is complex and nuanced but critical to understanding contemporary LGBT politics.
In what ways does the dialectic of inclusion and exclusion manifest in contemporary LGBT activism and political strategies?
While the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement has achieved significant gains over the past few decades in terms of legal recognition and social acceptance, it is also facing challenges from both within and outside its ranks. One such challenge is the tension between inclusion and exclusion that arises when different groups within the LGBT community have competing agendas and priorities.