There has been increasing interest in alternative economic models that prioritize mutual aid and resilience. One such model is the idea of "queer" cooperatives, which seek to create communities where members can come together and support each other financially and socially. In this article, we will explore the ways in which these cooperatives can offer unique solutions to modern challenges faced by individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds.
Let's consider the concept of "queerness." According to some definitions, queerness refers to "a political stance and identity that rejects heteronormativity and the normalization of cisheterosexual monogamy." This can encompass a wide range of identities and experiences beyond just those related to sexual orientation, including gender identity, body type, family structure, and more. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, queer cooperatives are able to provide spaces for people who may feel excluded or marginalized by mainstream society.
Queer Cooperatives
Let's look at what makes a queer cooperative different from other types of collectives. First, they often focus on creating space for self-expression and personal growth.
Many cooperatives encourage their members to express themselves through artistic pursuits like music or writing. They also frequently host events and gatherings designed to bring members closer together.
They typically have rules around consensual relationships between members. These rules may include things like requiring explicit permission before entering someone else's living space or mandating the use of protection during sex.
Resilience and Mutual Aid
In addition to promoting social cohesion, queer cooperatives can offer significant benefits when it comes to financial resilience as well. Because they rely on shared resources and decision making, they are better able to weather economic shocks than traditional businesses or nonprofits. Members can pool their resources to purchase goods in bulk or share equipment. They can also benefit from communal support systems during difficult times. Many cooperatives have emergency funds that members can access when needed.
We see that queer cooperatives offer unique solutions for individuals seeking alternative ways of life. While these communities aren't right for everyone, they do represent an intriguing option for those looking to create more inclusive and sustainable economies. By emphasizing mutual aid and resilience, they provide important lessons about how society might be structured differently if we prioritized people over profit.
Can queer cooperatives and alternative economies offer models of resilience and mutual aid?
Resiliency is defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations, while mutual aid refers to giving and receiving help between individuals and groups of people. Queer cooperatives are businesses owned and operated by members of the LGBTQIA+ community that prioritize social justice and collective decision-making. Alternative economies are non-capitalist economic systems that promote sustainability, equity, and local control.