The topic of sexual orientation and gender identity is often seen as taboo in academic circles. Many scholars choose to ignore these topics altogether, while others address them in a superficial way without delving into the deeper issues that surround them. This article explores the reasons behind this silence and how it affects the study of sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationships.
One reason for the silence is that many academics are still uncomfortable discussing queer existence openly. They may feel that their careers will be harmed if they bring up topics that challenge traditional views on sexuality and gender.
Some academics may fear that their research will be dismissed as too political or controversial. As a result, they avoid talking about these issues altogether.
Another reason for the silence is that there is a lack of consensus on what constitutes "queer" in academia. Some scholars argue that the term should include all forms of non-heteronormative sexualities and genders, while others believe that it should be limited to specific subgroups such as LGBTQ+ individuals. This disagreement makes it difficult to have productive conversations about these topics.
Some academics believe that studying sexuality and gender can be considered "soft science." They argue that these fields do not have the same level of rigor as hard sciences like physics or chemistry. This viewpoint perpetuates the idea that sexuality and gender are less important than other areas of study.
The impact of this silence can be seen in the literature available on these subjects. Many books and articles focus only on heterosexual relationships and fail to address alternative lifestyles. This creates a gap in our understanding of human behavior and experience.
To break down this barrier, we need to create more safe spaces for discussion around sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationships. We also need to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between academics from different fields who share an interest in these topics.
We need to challenge the idea that sexuality and gender are less worthy of scientific inquiry than other disciplines.
The silence surrounding queer existence in academic canons is a complex issue with many contributing factors. By working together to overcome these obstacles, we can deepen our knowledge of human behavior and create more inclusive research agendas.
What social mechanisms enforce the silence around queer existence in academic canons?
The social mechanisms that enforce the silence around queer existence in academic canons are complex and interrelated. One of the main factors is the historical marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals within academia and their exclusion from mainstream scholarship. This has led to a lack of representation and visibility of queer perspectives in academic fields such as history, literature, and the arts.