The term "queer" refers to people who identify with their gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or romantic attraction outside traditional societal norms. Queer individuals are often subjected to marginalization due to cultural stigmas, discrimination, prejudice, harassment, violence, and abuse. Existentialists such as Sartre and Camus believed that human existence is characterized by absurdity, freedom, and authenticity. They argued that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and individuals must create their own values and purposes through their actions. This essay explores how existentialist concepts can illuminate the experience of queer marginalization, highlighting its impact on personal identity, social interactions, and everyday life.
Absurdity
Absurdity refers to the lack of intrinsic significance or coherence in one's life. For queer individuals, this can manifest as feeling disconnected from mainstream society, alienated from heteronormative expectations, or experiencing isolation within LGBTQ+ communities. They may struggle to find meaning in a world where they feel rejected or unrecognized. According to Sartre, "hell is other people." He argued that people define themselves through relationships with others but also experience painful conflicts when those relationships fail to meet our needs or expectations. These conflicts lead to anxiety and despair, which Sartre called 'angst'. Similarly, queer individuals may face rejection, judgment, or disapproval from family, friends, colleagues, or strangers, leading them to feel isolated and alone. As Sartre put it: "Hell is other people?"
Freedom
Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, including choice, responsibility, and self-creation. Queer individuals are often forced to choose between conforming to societal norms or living authentically. This creates tension between internal desires and external pressures, resulting in feelings of confinement and restriction.
Camus believed that true freedom involves embracing absurdity and living without preconceptions. This can apply to queer individuals who challenge societal norms by openly expressing their identity and pursuing authentic experiences despite social consequences. They demonstrate their freedom by refusing to compromise their values or identities for acceptance or approval. This requires courage and resilience, as queer individuals must navigate constant challenges and barriers while remaining true to themselves.
Authenticity
Queer individuals frequently face pressure to hide or conceal their identity due to fear, shame, or stigma. They may struggle to find spaces where they can be fully themselves and express their true selves authentically. According to existentialists, authenticity means being honest with oneself about one's values, beliefs, and motivations. It requires taking risks and facing the consequences of one's choices, even if they lead to failure or rejection. For queer individuals, this includes coming out publicly and openly expressing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or romantic preferences. They risk losing relationships, jobs, housing, or safety but remain committed to living authentically. Authenticity also applies to personal growth and self-discovery, such as exploring new identities, interests, or perspectives. Queer individuals often seek community and support to help them discover and embrace their unique identities.
Existentialism offers valuable insights into the experience of queer marginalization by highlighting its impact on personal identity, social interactions, and everyday life. Queer individuals feel isolated, disconnected, and restricted by societal norms and expectations.
They can reclaim their agency by embracing absurdity, pursuing freedom, and seeking authenticity through courageous self-expression. This can empower them to live authentically, connect with others, and create meaning in a world that fails to recognize or value their experiences. As Sartre said: "Life is what you make it."
How might existentialist concepts of absurdity, freedom, and authenticity illuminate the experience of queer marginalization?
Queer individuals often face social ostracism due to their sexual identity, resulting in feelings of isolation and estrangement from society. This can lead to an awareness of the absurdity of life's seemingly meaninglessness, as they struggle with the discrepancy between their internal sense of self and external expectations placed upon them by others.