Queer desire is a term used to describe non-heterosexual forms of attraction that fall outside of the traditional binary gender system. It can refer to any form of non-normative romantic, sexual, or emotional attraction, including bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, and asexual identities. Queer desire has been shown to challenge many of the fundamental assumptions of Western philosophy, specifically those espoused by Descartes' dualistic model of subjectivity. By disrupting this model, queer desire has the potential to destabilize Cartesian dualisms such as subject/object, self/other, and interior/exterior, which are essential for understanding consciousness and reality.
Subject/Object Dualism: In his Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes proposed that the mind and body exist as separate entities, with the mind being responsible for thought and perception while the body provides the physical structure necessary for action.
Queer desire challenges this dichotomy by blurring the boundaries between the mental and physical realms.
In polyamory, there may be no clear distinction between who is 'subject' and who is 'object', as all parties involved engage in reciprocal relationships that defy traditional notions of objectification. This destabilizes the idea that subjects are inherently superior to objects and suggests that our bodies are more than just biological machines.
Self/Other Dualism: Another Cartesian duality is that of the self versus the other, where the individual is seen as separate from the world around them. Queer desire also challenges this notion by dissolving distinctions between individuals and their environment. The eroticized space created by queer relationships can be seen as an extension of one's own identity, blurring the line between self and other. This creates a sense of intimacy and interconnectedness that subverts the idea that we are fundamentally isolated units.
Interior/Exterior Dualism:
Queer desire destabilizes the interior/exterior dualism by questioning the rigid division between public and private spheres. In many queer relationships, the sexual act becomes a form of communication that transcends the personal sphere and enters into the public realm. By bringing the private sphere into the open, queer desire forces us to rethink our assumptions about the boundaries of society.
Queer desire has the potential to disrupt fundamental philosophical dualisms such as subject/object, self/other, and interior/exterior. By doing so, it opens up new ways of thinking about consciousness, reality, and human experience.