The issue of LGBTQ+ rights has been a hot topic for decades now, especially in the past decade where it has become more acceptable to talk about such issues publicly.
Even though there have been many strides made towards acceptance and inclusion, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heteronormativity still exist. This means that queer people face challenges every day just because they exist and live out their authentic selves. There is also a misconception that queer happiness is a rebellious act against society's norms. But what does this mean? Is queer happiness an act of rebellion that redefines the meaning of flourishing in oppressive societies? To answer this question, let's look at how society defines success and then examine if being queer fits into that definition.
Society tells us that success means having a stable job, earning money, getting married, starting a family, and living in a nice house with a white picket fence. This is known as the "American Dream" or the "pursuit of happiness." The problem is that these things are all based on traditional gender roles. Society expects men to be breadwinners, women to stay home and raise children, and everyone else falls into their designated categories. Queer people don't fit into those boxes. They don't identify with either gender role or want to follow society's expectations. Instead, they choose to live according to who they are rather than what others think they should be. So, by doing so, they are rebelling against society's rules and breaking away from the status quo.
Is queer happiness truly rebellion? It depends on your perspective. Some people might see it as such because it goes against everything they were taught growing up about what makes someone successful or happy. Others may not care because they have found happiness outside of these predefined definitions. What matters most is finding joy where you can.
Some LGBTQ+ individuals find happiness in relationships, while others find it in their careers or hobbies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to queer happiness; everyone has different wants and needs. Therefore, it's essential for each individual to explore what brings them joy and pursue that path.
Being queer can feel like an act of rebellion because it challenges societal norms and expectations.
It also allows people to redefine flourishing in oppressive societies. By defying these norms, we can start to create a new way of living that includes all identities and doesn't limit anyone based on gender roles or sexuality.
We need to continue working towards a world where everyone feels safe and accepted just as they are, regardless of who they love or how they express themselves.
Is queer happiness an act of rebellion that redefines the meaning of flourishing in oppressive societies?
There are many ways to define happiness and what constitutes as "flourishing" in different societies. In some cultures, heteronormativity is the norm, which means that people who identify outside of traditional gender roles and sexualities may face discrimination and oppression. Queer people can experience both personal and structural barriers that prevent them from living happy and fulfilling lives.