Queer philosophy is an approach to thinking that challenges traditional conceptions of gender and sexuality. It examines how these concepts have been constructed through history, and how they continue to shape our contemporary world. Queer philosophers seek to understand the social, political, cultural, economic, and psychological implications of heteronormativity – the assumption that heterosexuality is the "normal" way of being human. They also investigate how gender binaries, hierarchies of power, and oppressive norms are reproduced in everyday life. In this essay, I will explore how queer philosophies of joy can interrogate conventional assumptions about fulfillment, success, and normative life satisfaction.
The concept of joy has been central to many queer theories since its emergence as a critical framework in the late 1980s. Joy, in the words of Lee Edelman, can be understood as "a feeling of pleasure experienced when the body itself feels free from anxiety." The idea of joy thus emphasizes the importance of embodiment, pleasure, and sensation, while resisting dominant ideologies that promote control and self-restraint.
Leo Bersani argues that "the experience of joy is often characterized by a refusal to recognize boundaries or to follow rules," suggesting that there may be alternative ways of living outside of societal expectations.
Not all forms of joy are liberating. Some forms of joy are associated with conformity and compliance, particularly when it comes to gendered and racialized bodies.
White cisgender men who engage in sex work may find satisfaction in their jobs, but they do so within an industry that perpetuates violence against women, trans people, and those with intersecting identities. Similarly, some individuals may enjoy participating in relationships based on power dynamics, even if those relationships are ultimately harmful or exploitative.
Queer philosophy offers a way out of these conundrums. By rejecting binary conceptions of gender and sexuality, queer theory calls into question the very notion of a heteronormative 'ideal' life. Instead, it encourages us to imagine new possibilities for intimacy, connection, and fulfillment. This means challenging traditional norms of success, such as marriage, childrearing, and financial stability. It also means redefining what constitutes satisfaction – perhaps through more fluid or unconventional measures like creativity, community, and spirituality.
To explore this further, let's consider how queer philosophies of joy can interrogate normative assumptions about productivity and achievement. Capitalism emphasizes the importance of hard work, efficiency, and accumulation. But what if we prioritize playfulness, experimentation, and leisure? Queer philosopher Lauren Berlant suggests that "joy is never the opposite of pleasure," arguing instead that we should embrace both together. We might ask ourselves: How does my job satisfy me? Do I feel overworked? What would happen if I took time off from my career to focus on other pursuits? Can I find joy outside of the office or home?
In addition to work-life balance, queer theories of joy challenge our ideas about romantic love and monogamy. Some queer theorists argue that monogamy is inherently oppressive because it requires conformity to certain standards of behavior. They suggest that polyamory (i.e., open relationships) could be an alternative model for cultivating intimacy and passion while affirming individual autonomy. Others contend that intimate connections don't have to involve sex at all; they might be based on trust, communication, emotional support, or shared hobbies.
Queer philosophy challenges dominant models of success by highlighting difference and diversity. Instead of seeing fulfillment as a linear path towards wealth, status, and social recognition, queer thinkers encourage us to reframe it as an ever-shifting process that takes into account personal growth, community building, and self-reflection. This means acknowledging differences in class, ability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. It also involves recognizing the value of 'failures' or setbacks – after all, these can lead to new forms of knowledge and understanding.
Queer philosophies of joy offer a powerful lens through which we can interrogate conventional assumptions about life satisfaction. By rejecting binaries and emphasizing embodiment, pleasure, and creativity, they invite us to imagine new ways of living beyond the heteronormative mainstream.
This does not mean abandoning all norms or traditions. Rather, it suggests critically examining them, questioning how they impact our lives, and developing alternatives that are more just and equitable.
Queer philosophies remind us that true joy comes from within ourselves – and that there is no one way to achieve it.
In what ways can queer philosophies of joy interrogate conventional assumptions about fulfillment, success, and normative life satisfaction?
Queer theories of happiness are thought to challenge traditional notions of achievement, accomplishment, and personal contentment by encouraging people to reconsider their values, goals, and relationships with others in their communities. Accordingly, they encourage individuals to examine how social expectations for happiness may differ from their true feelings and experiences, as well as to embrace pleasure that is often dismissed or devalued within conventional conceptions of success and self-improvement.