I will explore the concept of vulnerability as an ethical and political framework for understanding queer subjectivity. This includes examining how vulnerability can be used to challenge dominant narratives about gender, sexuality, and identity, as well as exploring the ways in which it can help create new forms of resistance and community. By analyzing examples from literature, film, and activist movements, I hope to show that vulnerability is a powerful tool for queer people to claim their own stories and experiences, while also pushing back against oppressive structures that seek to silence them.
Let's start by defining what we mean when we talk about "queer" subjectivity. The term "queer" has been used in many different ways throughout history, but generally refers to those who do not fit into traditional categories of gender, sex, or sexuality. Queer people may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, asexual, pansexual, or anything else outside of these categories. They may also reject these labels altogether and simply refer to themselves as queer. As sociologist Judith Butler writes, "Queerness names an ideological formation in which certain social institutions become legible as anti-democratic and are resisted or destabilized." In other words, queer subjectivity is about challenging the normative expectations placed upon us by society.
One way to think about queer subjectivity is through the lens of vulnerability. Vulnerability is defined as "the state of being open to physical or emotional attack or harm." It involves exposing oneself to risk, uncertainty, and potential harm. When applied to queer subjectivity, this means acknowledging our own fragility, impermanence, and mortality. We are all susceptible to violence and oppression, but queer people often face disproportionate levels of it due to systemic discrimination and prejudice.
LGBTQ+ individuals have higher rates of suicide, homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. By recognizing our vulnerabilities, we can better advocate for ourselves and build solidarity with others facing similar struggles.
In literature, many authors have explored the theme of queer vulnerability. In Cheryl Strayed's novel Wild, the protagonist Susan embarks on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother dies and her marriage falls apart. She finds herself confronting her own fears and insecurities head-on, learning to trust herself and others despite her past traumas. Similarly, Jeanette Winterson's autobiographical novel Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit follows an adopted child who comes out as a lesbian to her religious community and suffers abuse from her peers and family members. Both books show how vulnerability can be both destructive and transformative, leading us to new understandings of selfhood and connection.
Film is another medium that has tackled queer vulnerability in unique ways. In Blue Is the Warmest Color, director Abdellatif Kechiche depicts the love story between two young women, Adele and Emma, which spans over several years. Despite their initial attraction, the couple faces difficulties in their relationship due to societal expectations around gender and sexuality. This film highlights how even within intimate relationships, queer people must constantly negotiate their identities and desires. Another example is Moonlight, which follows the life of a black gay man growing up in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood. As he navigates poverty, racism, and internalized homophobia, the character learns to embrace his true identity despite facing constant rejection and violence.
Activist movements have also used vulnerability as a tool for change.
The Black Lives Matter movement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of police brutality on black transgender women, many of whom are also part of the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing their stories of trauma and pain, these individuals are reclaiming their own narratives and demanding justice. Similarly, trans activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera fought against discrimination and violence towards transgender people during the Stonewall riots of 1969. Their bravery helped pave the way for future generations of queer activists.
Vulnerability can be seen as an ethical and political framework for understanding queer subjectivity. It encourages us to challenge normative expectations and resist oppressive structures while still recognizing our own humanity. Through literature, film, and activism, we can see how this concept has been used to create new forms of resistance and community. By embracing vulnerability, we can fight for a world where all people can live authentically and freely.
To what extent can vulnerability be theorized as an ethical and political framework for understanding queer subjectivity?
The concept of vulnerability has been used by scholars to analyze many topics including feminist theory, healthcare systems, social justice movements, disaster management, and queer politics. In relation to queer studies, vulnerability is seen as a way to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. It helps to highlight how they are excluded from mainstream society because of their sexuality and gender identities.