What are the power relations inherent in the commodification of queer performance?
Commodification is the process whereby goods, services, or ideas are converted into exchangeable units that can be bought, sold, or traded. It involves transforming something into an object that can be exchanged for money. In the case of queer performance, it refers to the way in which non-normative gender identities and sexual orientations are appropriated and monetized. Queer performances include drag shows, burlesque acts, and other forms of entertainment that celebrate alternative sexualities. The commodification of queer performance means that these performances are turned into products that can be bought and sold, often without regard for the performers' experiences or artistic integrity.
One way in which this occurs is through the fetishization of queerness. Fetishization occurs when certain body parts or behaviors are seen as more valuable than others due to their association with non-mainstream sexuality.
Many drag shows feature performers who exaggerate feminine or masculine features in order to create a spectacle. By doing so, they are reinforcing the idea that femininity is desirable and masculinity is powerful. This commodification of gender identity can lead to the objectification of those who do not fit neatly into binary categories.
Another aspect of commodification is the exploitation of queer bodies for profit. Many mainstream media outlets use queer bodies to sell products without giving them fair compensation or recognition. This can be seen in advertisements featuring LGBTQ+ people or in the portrayal of queer characters on television. While some queer artists may benefit from this visibility, it comes at the cost of erasing the struggles and experiences of marginalized communities.
How does visibility become marketised?
Visibility refers to the degree to which members of a minority group are represented in the public sphere. Increased visibility can lead to greater social acceptance, access to resources, and political power.
Increased visibility also creates opportunities for commodification and exploitation. When queer identities and performances are turned into products, they lose their connection to community and struggle. They become things to be consumed rather than expressions of resistance.
One way in which this happens is through the promotion of "gay culture" as an industry. The gay rights movement has been co-opted by corporations seeking to profit from its successes. Queer celebrities, drag shows, and other forms of entertainment have become brands that appeal to straight audiences. While this can create economic opportunities for some individuals, it also reinforces stereotypes about what queerness looks like and how it should be expressed.
Mainstream media often promotes the idea that queer identity is synonymous with consumerism. Advertisements featuring same-sex couples or rainbow-colored products promote the notion that being LGBTQ+ means having certain kinds of possessions or lifestyles. This commodification of queer identity limits the scope of what is considered acceptable within the community and reinforces normative ideas about gender and sexuality.
How might future queer art forms resist this commodification while expanding community empowerment?
Resisting commodification requires creativity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge dominant narratives. One approach is to explore alternative forms of expression that do not rely on traditional markers of queerness, such as drag or burlesque.
Spoken word poetry, dance, or visual arts can be used to express non-normative identities without relying on traditional gender roles or performance tropes. By creating new ways of expressing queer identity, artists can subvert the power dynamics inherent in commodification.
Another way to resist commodification is through collective action. Collaboration between artists and activists can help build mutual support networks that allow marginalized voices to be heard. This may involve creating cooperative business models that prioritize equitable pay, sustainable practices, and social justice initiatives over profit. It also involves supporting local communities by donating proceeds from performances to grassroots organizations or hosting events that raise awareness of issues facing marginalized populations.
Resistance requires education and critical thinking. Queer performers should interrogate the power structures that shape their work and seek out allies who share their values. They should examine how their performances contribute to oppressive systems and how they can use their platforms for change. Through this process, they can create work that challenges norms, expands possibilities, and empowers those who have been silenced.