The concept of surveillance has been widely discussed in various academic fields such as philosophy, political science, sociology, and psychology, which have examined its impact on personal privacy, freedom, identity, and social control.
Less attention has been paid to how it relates to the visibility and agency of queer individuals. This paper seeks to fill this gap by exploring how mechanisms of societal surveillance influence the visibility and agency of queer individuals, particularly in authoritarian or highly regulated contexts.
Surveillance is defined as the act of monitoring, supervising, or observing someone's behavior or activities for safety or security purposes. It can take different forms, including physical surveillance through cameras, drones, or body searches; digital surveillance via facial recognition technology, mobile apps, or web tracking; and socio-cultural surveillance through community gossip, rumors, or cultural norms. The aim of surveillance is to identify potential threats, prevent crimes, maintain order, and enforce conformity.
In highly regulated contexts, surveillance is often used to suppress dissent, control social behaviors, and punish those who challenge authority.
In countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Uganda, authorities use surveillance to track down LGBTQ+ individuals and punish them with imprisonment, torture, or execution. In China, homosexuality was declassified as a mental disorder in 20017 but remains criminalized due to government intervention. Thus, homophobic attitudes and laws have created a culture of fear among queer people, making them invisible or limiting their public presence.
The impact of such surveillance on the visibility and agency of queer individuals is manifold. Firstly, it creates a sense of paranoia, anxiety, and shame, which leads to self-censorship and isolation. Secondly, it limits access to information and resources necessary for self-expression and empowerment. Thirdly, it perpetuates stereotypes, misconceptions, and stigma, thereby reinforcing discrimination and marginalization. Lastly, it reduces the ability of queer individuals to resist oppressive policies, advocate for change, and engage in political activism.
Some scholars argue that surveillance can also have positive effects on queer individuals. They claim that by knowing they are being watched, queer individuals become more aware of their behavior and environment, leading to increased caution, vigilance, and risk management.
Surveillance can create solidarity and strengthen community bonds through shared experiences and support networks.
This paper has explored how mechanisms of societal surveillance influence the visibility and agency of queer individuals, particularly in authoritarian or highly regulated contexts. While surveillance can have negative consequences, it may also help queer individuals gain awareness and strengthen social ties.
More research is needed to understand these nuances and develop effective strategies for promoting safety, equality, and inclusion.
How do mechanisms of societal surveillance influence the visibility and agency of queer individuals, particularly in authoritarian or highly regulated contexts?
Due to authoritarianism or overregulation, surveillance systems may hinder LGBTQ+ people's individuality and autonomy by making them more noticeable to authorities who are less tolerant or supportive of their identity. The effect can be compounded when society is generally intolerant or hostile towards nonconforming identities, which makes it difficult for those who identify as queer to express themselves fully and openly while being watched.