The word "queer" refers to those who identify themselves outside the heterosexual binary. They may be LGBTQ+ individuals, but this is a broader term than it implies. Queerness includes anyone who does not conform to societal norms for gender expression or sexual orientation. Art has been used as a means to express and explore queer experiences since ancient times. It allows for nuance that social sciences struggle with due to its reliance on numbers.
In art, feelings are often expressed through metaphor rather than direct statements. This allows for more subtlety and complexity.
The poem "Bless Me Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya tells the story of a young boy coming into his own sexuality through an encounter with a curandera. The relationship between the characters is ambiguous, leaving readers to interpret what exactly happened between them. Social science would have trouble quantifying this experience because it involves subjective emotions such as love, desire, and attraction that cannot be easily measured.
Another way in which art can capture queer emotional truths is through symbolism. In the novel "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," Jeanette Winterson uses symbols like rainbows, apples, and stones to represent different aspects of her character's identity. These symbols allow her to communicate complex feelings about religion, family, and self-discovery without relying solely on language. Traditional social science would likely oversimplify these relationships into binary categories that fail to account for the nuances present in real life.
Art also provides a space for exploring intimacy outside traditional heteronormative models. In the play "The Cherry Orchard," Anton Chekhov portrays a lesbian couple who must hide their relationship from society in order to survive. Their emotional connection is depicted through physical touches and gazes that reveal their true feelings despite their attempts at concealment. Social sciences may struggle to understand the intricacies of these relationships due to their reliance on objective data rather than the subjectivity present in art.
Art has historically been used to challenge oppressive norms around gender and sexuality. In the film "Pariah," Dee Rees tells the story of Alike, a black lesbian woman coming out to her religious mother. The use of color and lighting in the film convey her internal struggles with acceptance and belonging while she navigates both her personal and cultural identities. Social science would have trouble capturing this experience because it involves multiple layers of social context that are difficult to quantify.
Art allows us to explore queer experiences beyond what can be quantified by traditional social science. It allows us to see ourselves reflected back in ways that can inspire empathy and understanding across all identities. By embracing its power, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone feels seen and heard.
What emotional truths can art express about queer existence that traditional social science cannot quantify?
Art has always been an outlet for individuals to express their emotions and thoughts that are often difficult to convey through other means. This is especially true for those who identify as LGBTQ+, as they may face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice from society that makes it challenging to communicate their experiences openly.