Systemic structures refer to social norms and institutions that are inherently biased against certain groups, such as people who identify as LGBTQIA+, women, racial minorities, ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and more. These structures can take many forms, including but not limited to legal frameworks, educational systems, economic policies, media representations, and cultural practices. In this article, I will explore how systemic structures perpetuate queer marginalization and offer multidimensional strategies for challenging and transforming these structures.
One way that systemic structures perpetuate queer marginalization is through the criminalization of same-sex relationships and gender nonconformity. Many countries around the world still have laws in place that criminalize consensual same-sex activity, which contributes to discrimination, stigma, and violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The lack of protections for transgender individuals in terms of employment, housing, healthcare, and other areas also creates barriers to their full participation in society.
Another way that systemic structures perpetuate queer marginalization is through the normalization of heteronormative expectations and stereotypes. The predominance of cisgender, straight characters in popular culture and media reinforces the idea that heterosexuality is the only acceptable form of sexuality and gender identity. This contributes to the erasure of queer identities and experiences and makes it difficult for queer individuals to see themselves reflected in the world around them.
To challenge and transform these systemic structures, a multidimensional approach is necessary. This may include advocacy for legislation that protects the rights of queer individuals, education campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion, and efforts to disrupt harmful narratives in mainstream media. It may also involve building supportive communities within queer spaces and working with allies outside of the LGBTQIA+ community to create change.
Challenging systemic structures requires an examination of our own attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexuality, and intimacy. We must work to question and unlearn the ways we have been socialized to view relationships and bodies as strictly binary and normative. We can do this by engaging in critical self-reflection and having conversations about alternative forms of intimacy and desire.
The transformation of systemic structures requires sustained effort and commitment from all of us. By recognizing how these structures operate and taking action to dismantle them, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
How do systemic structures perpetuate queer marginalization, and what multidimensional strategies can be employed to challenge and transform these structures?
Systemic structures have been identified as one of the most significant causes of the persisting marginalization of queer individuals and communities (Johnson et al. , 2019). These include legal frameworks, educational systems, workplaces, healthcare institutions, religious organizations, media outlets, and other social institutions that often reinforce heteronormative values and norms, which may exclude or exclude non-conforming sexual orientations and gender identities.