As a sociologist, I often find myself pondering how societies and cultures shape their values, beliefs, and norms. One aspect that has intrigued me for many years is the role of moral panics and how they impact individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Moral panics are defined as "the spread of fear about a perceived threat to society's values and interests" (Bauman & Briggs, 2018, pg. 46), and have been used throughout history to justify discrimination and oppression against marginalized groups. In this article, I will explore how moral panics have affected LGBTQ+ people and how they continue to influence societal norms, legislation, and social hierarchies.
One example of a recent moral panic involving LGBTQ+ rights was when the Ugandan government proposed a law that would punish homosexuality with life imprisonment or death. This bill was met with international outrage and sparked protests from human rights organizations around the world.
Despite the backlash, it still passed in 2013, demonstrating the power of moral panics in shaping laws and policies. Similarly, in Russia, there has been a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment following Putin's election as President in 2012. The Russian government has passed several laws criminalizing public displays of affection between same-sex couples and banning the promotion of "nontraditional sexual relations" to minors. These laws have resulted in violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Moral panics also contribute to the perpetuation of gender binaries and heteronormativity.
When parents hear that their child is transgender, they may feel shocked and ashamed, which can lead to rejection or denial. This response is often rooted in fear of what others might think if their child is identified as something other than cisgender or heterosexual.
Media coverage of celebrities coming out as gay or lesbian can create a moral panic among conservative audiences who view this behavior as deviant or immoral. Such panics reinforce societal norms that equate femininity and masculinity with heterosexuality and gender conformity.
Moral panics can affect legislation related to education, healthcare, and family life. In the United States, for example, some states have passed laws requiring teachers to inform parents about any lessons on homosexuality or gender identity in schools. This law effectively targets LGBTQ+ students by making them feel unsafe and unsupported. It also perpetuates the idea that these topics are taboo and should not be discussed openly. Similarly, medical professionals may face moral panics when treating patients who identify as transgender, leading to delayed or denied care. These panics can result in lasting harm to individuals who already experience significant stigma due to their identities.
Moral panics play a role in social hierarchies by creating divisions between those who uphold traditional values and those who challenge them.
When celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres come out as gay, there is often backlash from conservatives who see her as a threat to "family values." By contrast, progressive voices celebrate her bravery and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. These divisions can lead to polarization and conflict within society, further entrenching existing power structures and oppressions.
Moral panics play a complex and insidious role in shaping societal norms, legislation, and social hierarchies affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. They create fear and promote discrimination against people who deviate from heteronormative and cisnormative expectations. To combat this, we must recognize how these panics work and actively resist their effects. This means supporting legislation that protects LGBTQ+ rights, promoting inclusive education, and challenging media representations of sexuality and gender identity.
We must work towards a world where all people can live freely and authentically without fear of judgment or exclusion.
What role does moral panic play in shaping societal norms, legislation, and social hierarchies affecting LGBTQ individuals?
The notion of moral panic has been utilized as a means of influencing societal norms, legislation, and social hierarchies impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people since ancient times. Moral panics are characterized by exaggerated fears and anxieties regarding deviant behaviors that threaten traditional values and belief systems.