There have been significant efforts to include more diverse voices in the literary canon. This includes those who identify as queer, which can be defined as anyone who does not conform to traditional gender norms or sexual orientations.
This process has faced numerous challenges, particularly in terms of how the historical exclusion of these voices has impacted their representation. This paper will explore how the literary canon has historically excluded queer voices, strategies for reclaiming space, and what a fully inclusive canon might look like in future decades.
Throughout history, the literary canon has primarily focused on cisgender heterosexual white men, often at the expense of marginalized groups.
Many early works that were included in the canon represented heteronormative relationships and did not acknowledge non-binary identities.
These works also often perpetuated harmful stereotypes about people of color, women, and other minority groups. As a result, writers from these communities struggled to find recognition for their work. This situation persisted until the mid-20th century when writers began pushing back against this exclusive approach, leading to the emergence of movements such as feminism, postcolonialism, and queer theory. These movements sought to challenge existing power structures and make room for underrepresented voices, including those of queer individuals.
One strategy used to reclaim space for queer voices is through the creation of new spaces dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ+ literature.
Queer bookstores have been established in cities around the world to showcase books by and about queer individuals. In addition, some universities now offer courses specifically on queer literature, while others include it within broader classes on gender or sexuality studies. Another approach is through critical analysis of canonical works, highlighting how they exclude or erase queer narratives. By doing so, scholars can challenge dominant ideologies and promote alternative interpretations that center queer experiences.
In terms of what an inclusive canon might look like in future decades, there are several possibilities. One possibility is that it would be more diverse, with works from various cultures and backgrounds being recognized as important contributions to literary history. It could also feature works that explore different aspects of queerness beyond just romantic relationships, such as identity politics or social issues facing the community.
It may recognize nonbinary genders and intersex identities, which have traditionally been excluded from discussions surrounding queerness.
A fully inclusive canon would allow all voices to be heard and represented, regardless of their race, class, gender, or sexual orientation.
How has the literary canon historically excluded queer voices, what strategies are being employed to reclaim space, and what might a fully inclusive canon look like in future decades?
The literary canon is not an objective collection of the most significant works but reflects the values and perspectives of those who created it. For centuries, this included dominant white cisgender heterosexual masculinity as its primary focus. This marginalized other identities, including queerness, which was stigmatized and criminalized until recently. The canon continues to exclude queer voices today due to prejudice and lack of representation.