Queer censorship is a term used to describe the process by which queer people's bodies, desires, stories, and histories are censored by dominant institutions such as media outlets, government agencies, educational systems, and social organizations. It can take many forms, including but not limited to physical violence, surveillance, denial of rights and access, forced silence, and exclusion from public spaces. Queer censorship has been employed since ancient times as a way to control marginalized populations and reinforce heteronormative power structures. In some cases, it has led to extreme violence against queer individuals, such as torture, imprisonment, and even murder. The impact of this type of censorship extends beyond individual victims; it affects entire communities by limiting their ability to express themselves, organize politically, and create alternative models for living.
Queer censorship often involves the suppression or deletion of queer content from public discourse. This may include the removal of books, films, music, and art that explore themes related to sexuality and gender identity from libraries, bookstores, galleries, and other cultural venues. Censorship can also involve the silencing of queer voices in political debates, the exclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and stories from mainstream media, and the criminalization of queer expression through laws and policies. Cultural dimensions of queer censorship include the normalization of homophobia and transphobia in popular culture, the promotion of stereotypes about queer people, and the failure to acknowledge their contributions to society.
Many historians have ignored the role of queer people in historical events despite clear evidence of their involvement.
Counter-censorship is a tactic used by queer activists to resist oppressive regimes and reclaim their voice. It includes creating new spaces and platforms for queer expression, challenging dominant narratives, and promoting alternative forms of communication. Examples of counter-censorship include underground literature, zines, community radio stations, and online forums. These alternative publishing outlets provide queer people with a way to share their experiences without interference from dominant institutions. They also help create a space for dialogue and critical thinking around issues of sex, gender, and sexuality.
New queer publics are communities that reject traditional notions of family, gender, and power structures. They embrace alternative models of relationships and identify as "queer" or "transgender." These groups often form online, using social media to connect with like-minded individuals and build solidarity. They may also organize offline meetings, protests, and other activities to challenge dominant norms and advocate for change. By forming these new communities, queer people can create an alternative to mainstream society's narrow definitions of what it means to be human.
Queer censorship is a pervasive issue that affects all aspects of life, from personal relationships to political institutions. Counter-censorship strategies offer one way for marginalized populations to resist this type of oppression and build community. New queer publics have the potential to transform how we understand ourselves and our relationships with others, offering a new vision of what it means to be human.
What are the structural and cultural dimensions of queer censorship, and how might future movements conceive of counter‑censorship, alternative publishing, and new queer publics?
The structural dimension of queer censorship refers to the formal and informal barriers that prevent individuals from expressing their sexuality and identity freely. This includes laws, policies, and social norms that restrict access to information about LGBTQ+ issues, create hostile environments for open discussion, and limit opportunities for representation.