Queerness has been traditionally understood as a deviation from normative gender roles and sexual identities, but recent scholarship has begun to explore its potential for creating new possibilities for human experience. In this paper, I will argue that when queerness is seen as the ground, rather than the deviation, of being, it opens up significant ontological possibilities.
The concept of queerness was first used by academic activists to describe people who did not fit into traditional categories of heterosexuality or homosexuality. It was a way of resisting the binary of man/woman and the assumption that everyone must be either male or female.
Many scholars have argued that queerness should go beyond identity politics and be seen as an alternative mode of existence.
Queer theorist Judith Butler argues that gender is performative, meaning that it is something that we do rather than something we are born with. This implies that there are no essential differences between men and women, and that gender can be fluid and constantly changing.
When queerness becomes the ground of being, it challenges the idea that sex is determined by biology and destiny. Instead, it suggests that sex is constructed through social and cultural practices such as language, dress, and behavior. This means that sex is not fixed and immutable, but open to interpretation and negotiation.
Transgender individuals may choose to challenge traditional gender norms by presenting themselves in ways that defy expectations. Similarly, polyamorous relationships challenge monogamy as the only acceptable form of intimacy.
Queerness also challenges the notion that intimacy is limited to romantic partnerships. It suggests that intimacy can exist between friends, family members, coworkers, or even strangers. Queer theorist Lauren Berlant describes intimacy as "the experience of feeling seen, known, recognized, touched, and sustained" by another person. This understanding of intimacy opens up new possibilities for relationships that go beyond the nuclear family or romance.
When queerness becomes the ground of being, it offers a way of rethinking our assumptions about sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy. It challenges binary thinking and opens up new possibilities for experiencing the world. While it may be difficult for some people to accept this perspective, it has important implications for how we understand ourselves and each other.
What ontological possibilities open up when queerness becomes the ground, not the deviation, of being?
Queerness as a ground rather than deviation can lead to new ontological possibilities such as exploring alternative forms of gender expression, sexuality, and identity that are not bound by societal norms. This approach challenges traditional binaries and promotes greater inclusivity and acceptance of diverse identities. It can also inspire creativity and innovation in art, culture, and society, as individuals explore uncharted territory and push boundaries.