A lot of politicians who do not support LGBTQ rights make frequent references to religion and traditional family values when advocating for their views. They argue that allowing same-sex marriage and adoption would lead to moral decay and chaos in society, which would ultimately threaten the stability of the nation. Some of them also claim that homosexuality is a sin against God and that it goes against human nature. This type of argumentation often plays into people's fears and anxieties about cultural change and religious beliefs, and can be used to justify discrimination against queer individuals.
Such arguments are not always based on solid evidence but rather reflect broader social and political agendas aiming to maintain power structures.
Another way in which politicians exploit cultural anxiety is through appeals to patriotism and national identity. By suggesting that accepting same-sex marriage and other forms of LGBTQ inclusion would compromise national security or weaken military readiness, they create a sense of panic and urgency among voters.
Some politicians have argued that allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military would undermine unit cohesion and morale. Similarly, they might use slogans like "keep America great" or "make America first," implying that supporting LGBTQ rights puts American culture at risk.
In addition to fear and anxiety, politicians may also try to tap into feelings of shame and guilt by framing queerness as something shameful or immoral.
They might suggest that same-sex relationships are unnatural or perverted, and that children need to be protected from exposure to such behavior. They may also invoke parental rights and concerns over school curriculum to promote their agenda.
These tactics aim to create a moral panic around queerness and cultivate a sense of disgust and revulsion towards it.
It's important to note that these tactics are often misleading and harmful. They perpetuate stigma, discrimination, and violence against queer people and reinforce existing power imbalances.
They ignore the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals and ignore the fact that there are many different ways of being queer beyond sexuality and gender. The goal should be to challenge and dismantle these narratives and work towards creating a more inclusive society where all identities can thrive.
How do political actors exploit fear, morality, and cultural anxiety to resist queer inclusion?
Political actors have often used various strategies to prevent the full acceptance of queer people into society. One such strategy is by spreading false rumors about their sexuality and lifestyle, which are often based on stereotypes and misinformation. These myths are intended to instill fear among heterosexuals regarding the risks associated with having same-sex relations.