Queer philosophy of resilience is an emerging field that focuses on the ways marginalized individuals resist oppression, build supportive communities, and advocate for their needs while navigating multiple intersecting systems of oppression. In this article, I will explore how these philosophies can be applied to chronic illness management, particularly in contexts where patients face systemic neglect or bias due to gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, ability, age, religion, or geography.
Resilience is defined as "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties". Resilience is closely related to self-efficacy, which refers to one's belief in their abilities to overcome challenges. Self-efficacy has been linked to positive health outcomes such as reduced stress, increased motivation, and better adherence to treatment plans. Queer philosophers have argued that resilience requires both individual effort and collective action. This means that people must take steps towards improving their own mental and physical health, but they also need access to resources, support networks, and social justice movements that address broader societal issues that contribute to illness and disability.
Many queer theories emphasize intersectionality – the idea that different forms of oppression interact with each other and exacerbate health disparities.
Transgender people may experience discrimination based on both their gender identity and sexual orientation, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and poor physical health.
Racial minorities often face medical mistrust, lack of insurance coverage, language barriers, and structural racism that contributes to worse health outcomes. These groups may struggle to find doctors who understand their unique needs or receive culturally competent care.
Despite these challenges, many chronically ill individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience by creating alternative healing practices and advocating for better policies.
Some patients create support groups where they share information about effective treatments and coping strategies. Others organize protests against cuts to government programs that provide essential services. Still others work with political organizations to push for changes in laws and regulations that protect vulnerable populations.
These strategies can be informed by queer philosophy of resilience. Firstly, self-efficacy is a key aspect of resilience. Queer philosophers argue that self-esteem comes from recognizing one's agency as an individual and within collective action. Chronic illness management requires patients to believe in themselves and their abilities despite setbacks or failures. Secondly, queer philosophers stress the importance of community building. Patients should seek out networks of peers who understand their experiences and help them navigate complex systems. Thirdly, intersectionality must be considered when designing treatment plans. Healthcare providers should consider how race, class, gender identity, age, ability, religion, and other factors contribute to disparate health outcomes.
Collective action is crucial for improving access to resources and promoting social justice. By working together, people can challenge structures of oppression and demand equitable policies that benefit all communities.
Queer philosophy of resilience offers valuable insights into chronic illness management, particularly in contexts of systemic neglect or bias. Patients need to build their own personal resilience while also advocating for structural change through community organizing and policy reform. By applying these principles, we can create more just and supportive health care systems that meet the needs of everyone – regardless of identity, background, or circumstance.
How does queer philosophy of resilience inform chronic illness management, particularly in contexts of systemic neglect or bias?
Queer philosophies of resilience emphasize developing adaptive strategies that enable individuals to cope with challenging circumstances while maintaining one's identity and sense of self. In contexts of systemic neglect or bias, chronic illness management may be particularly difficult due to limited access to adequate medical care, social support, and resources.