Existentialist philosophy is a philosophical movement that emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Europe. It emphasizes individual freedom and choice, focusing on the human experience and the importance of living authentically. Existentialists believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions and choices, and that they must face the anxiety and absurdity of life without relying on external structures such as religion or society to provide meaning. Queer individuals, those who identify as LGBTQ+, have unique lived experiences when it comes to navigating the tension between authentic self-expression and societal expectations. This essay will explore how existentialist philosophy can illuminate the lives of queer people by examining their personal struggles and perspectives on identity, community, and interpersonal relationships.
Authenticity and Self-Expression
One of the central tenets of existentialism is that individuals should live authentically, which means being true to oneself and expressing one's innermost desires, beliefs, and values. For queer individuals, this can be particularly challenging due to the social stigma and discrimination they may face based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many cases, they must navigate a world where their identities are not fully accepted or understood, leading them to feel isolated and alienated from mainstream culture. As Sartre writes, "Man is condemned to be free," implying that we must take responsibility for our choices and actions even if it means confronting difficult circumstances.
Queer individuals often struggle with questions about how much of their sexuality and gender expression they should reveal in public spaces, especially in conservative or homophobic environments. They must decide whether to conform to societal norms or risk ostracization and violence. Some choose to hide their sexuality or gender identity completely, while others embrace it openly despite potential consequences. According to Kierkegaard, living authentically requires courage, as it involves taking risks and making difficult decisions that go against social norms. Queer individuals must have the strength to stand up for themselves and their identities, even when doing so carries significant personal costs.
Community and Interpersonal Relationships
Existentialists believe that relationships are essential for human flourishing, but that they can also bring discomfort and anxiety due to the inherent vulnerability involved in opening oneself up to another person. For queer individuals, these struggles can be amplified by their unique experiences and perspectives on love and intimacy.
Many queer people seek out communities of like-minded individuals who share their values and beliefs, such as LGBTQ+ clubs, support groups, or online forums. These spaces provide a sense of belonging and acceptance that may not be available elsewhere.
This can also lead to the "clan mentality" described by Sartre, where individuals feel pressured to fit into a particular group or ideology rather than expressing themselves fully.
Some queer individuals experience intense pressure from peers and family members to enter heterosexual relationships or conceal their true selves to maintain social connections.
Interpersonal relationships are particularly important for queer individuals seeking validation and affirmation, but they can also bring conflict and uncertainty. According to Kierkegaard, romantic love is characterized by passion, jealousy, and fear of abandonment. For queer individuals, these feelings may be heightened by society's stigmatization of nontraditional relationships or the challenge of navigating different gender roles within a relationship. They must decide how much of their identity to reveal to others and how to balance their needs with those of their partners. In doing so, they must confront their own anxieties about rejection and loneliness, while also navigating cultural norms around monogamy, marriage, and parenthood.
Existentialism offers valuable insights for understanding the lived experiences of queer individuals. It emphasizes authenticity, choice, and responsibility, which are essential aspects of their daily lives. Queer individuals face unique challenges when it comes to self-expression, community, and interpersonal relationships, but existentialist philosophy encourages them to take control of their identities and live authentically despite societal expectations. By embracing this philosophy, they can find greater meaning and fulfillment in their lives, even in difficult circumstances.
How can existentialist philosophy illuminate the lived experiences of queer individuals navigating the tension between authentic self-expression and societal expectations?
The notion of an authentic self is one that is central to existentialism, wherein each individual is responsible for determining their own identity and meaning through personal experience. This concept may resonate with many queer individuals who face pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and norms, which can lead to feelings of alienation and dissonance within society.