How Has Marginalization of Queer Voices Influenced Cultural Memory?
Marginalization refers to the practice of treating a group of people as insignificant or inferior in society. This can be done through various means such as neglecting their contributions to history, excluding them from social events, denying access to education, or portraying them negatively in literature, arts, media, and other forms of culture.
Queer voices are those that belong to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+), including their allies and supporters. The marginalization of these voices has a long history and continues today, resulting in the underrepresentation of LGBTQIA+ perspectives in cultural memory.
One way this is seen is in the lack of accurate representations of LGBTQIA+ experiences in mainstream media.
When there is no representation at all, it reinforces the idea that being queer is abnormal or wrong, which can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation for young people. When queer characters are represented but in a negative light, it perpetuates stereotypes and stigma. Another issue is the focus on white, cis-gendered, and heterosexual narratives, leaving out the diverse perspectives and experiences of people of color, non-binary gender identities, and others.
Efforts exist to reclaim representation for LGBTQIA+ individuals in literature, arts, and media. One way this is happening is through the creation of independent platforms like queer bookstores, film festivals, and theater companies that showcase LGBTQIA+ stories. There is also an increase in writers, artists, and filmmakers from within the community creating their own work, telling their own stories, and challenging traditional narratives. Some popular examples include the novels of Alan Hollinghurst, the films of Todd Haynes, and the drag performances of RuPaul's Drag Race.
A fully inclusive cultural landscape would involve widespread recognition and celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices in all areas of culture. This would mean having more queer books in libraries, schools, and bookstores; more queer art exhibits in galleries and museums; and more queer characters in movies, TV shows, music, and other forms of entertainment. It would also require better education about sexuality and gender diversity so that everyone understands its importance and complexity.
The marginalization of queer voices has had a significant impact on cultural memory by limiting access to accurate and positive representations of these communities. Efforts are underway to reclaim those voices and create a more inclusive future.
References:
- "Marginalization" (n.d.). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marginalization
- "LGBTQIAP+ representation in media matters—here's why." The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/lgbtqiap-representation-in-media-matters-heres-why-1782604
- "The rise of independent queer spaces." NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2019/03/25/7067097962/the-rise-of-independent-queer-spaces