The subject of this article is the way that history has been shaped by the deliberate omission of queer figures from public narratives. This process is known as historical erasure, and it can have significant implications for both individual identities and collective memories. By excluding stories about LGBTQ+ people, their experiences, and their contributions to society, we risk reinforcing damaging stereotypes and perpetuating harmful attitudes towards them. It also prevents individuals from seeing themselves reflected in the past, which can lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, and confusion about who they are and where they fit into the world around them.
In order to understand the consequences of this type of erasure, we need to look at how histories are constructed. Historians typically gather evidence from a variety of sources, including official documents, personal accounts, and cultural artifacts. They then analyze these materials to create a cohesive story that explains what happened in the past. When queer figures are omitted from this story, it becomes incomplete and biased, obscuring important parts of the truth. Without accurate representations of queer lives and experiences, people may not realize just how widespread and longstanding prejudice against them has been.
One of the most well-known examples of historical erasure is the silencing of Alan Turing, the mathematician who played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. His contributions were vital to Allied victory, but he was later prosecuted under Britain's anti-homosexuality laws and forced to take estrogen injections to "cure" his sexual orientation. He committed suicide shortly afterward. His story illustrates how queer figures have often been marginalized and discriminated against for simply being themselves.
Another example is the way that lesbian and bisexual women have been written out of history. For centuries, their relationships with other women were seen as shameful and deviant, so many chose to hide them or even deny their existence entirely. This led to the development of stereotypes about all women involved in same-sex relationships, such as the idea that they were unnatural or immoral. By excluding stories about these individuals, we miss out on understanding how common and diverse non-heteronormative intimacy can be.
Erasing queer people from history can also reinforce negative attitudes towards them in contemporary society. By presenting a distorted view of the past, it suggests that queerness is inherently dangerous or wrong, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to prejudice and violence against LGBTQ+ people today. It also undermines efforts by activists to build alliances across identities and fight for equal rights.
To address this issue, historians need to actively seek out evidence of queer experiences and include them in their narratives. They should also work to correct misconceptions and challenge dominant narratives that exclude queer perspectives. Schools and universities must do more to teach accurate and inclusive histories that reflect the full diversity of human experience. And finally, we all need to acknowledge our role in perpetuating erasure when we fail to speak up about it or demand better representation in media and culture.
By acknowledging the past's queer figures, we can create a more just and equitable future for everyone.
What are the consequences of historical erasure of queer figures for collective memory and identity politics?
Historical erasure of queer figures can lead to a lack of representation and visibility within cultural narratives and collective memories, which may reinforce negative stereotypes and prejudices against queer individuals. This can have significant impacts on identity formation and political activism, as it limits the recognition and acceptance of diverse identities and experiences.