Queer people have always been at odds with traditional gender norms and heteronormative expectations, challenging societal assumptions about who they are supposed to be and how they are supposed to act. This rejection of traditional roles and identities is deeply rooted in the theological concept of "becoming," which emphasizes that human identity is fluid and constantly changing. In this sense, queer people embody the theology of becoming through their ability to challenge and defy societal expectations, creating new identities and experiences for themselves.
In Christian theology, God is often described as an eternal being who exists outside of time and space, unchanging and immutable.
Queer theologians argue that this conception of God fails to account for the fluidity and complexity of human experience. Instead, they suggest that God is a dynamic force that is always in the process of becoming, constantly evolving and transforming alongside creation. Similarly, queer people embrace the idea that their identities and experiences are also in flux, constantly shifting and changing as they navigate their relationships with others and the world around them.
The Bible contains numerous stories of characters whose identities are in a state of becoming, from Moses's birth story to Jesus's resurrection. These narratives highlight the fact that even biblical figures were not static beings but rather individuals who underwent significant transformations throughout their lives. Queer theologians argue that these stories demonstrate the importance of embracing change and allowing oneself to grow and evolve over time.
For queer people, this means rejecting rigid definitions of gender and sexuality and instead embracing the fluid nature of identity. It also means challenging social norms and expectations about what it means to be a man or woman, straight or gay, monogamous or polyamorous. By embracing the theology of becoming, queer people can create their own unique identities and relationships, free from the constraints of society's expectations.
This does not mean that queer people have no concept of self-identity; rather, they see themselves as works in progress, continually discovering new aspects of their personalities and desires. This approach to identity allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, enabling queer people to experiment and explore different facets of their being without feeling bound by societal conventions.
The theology of becoming is deeply connected to intimacy, which requires a willingness to share one's deepest self with another person. In queer relationships, this often involves exploring unconventional dynamics such as non-monogamy or power exchange.
In BDSM communities, participants may take on various roles and identities during play sessions, embracing the idea that identity is not fixed but instead is always in flux.
The theology of becoming encourages us to embrace the complexity and diversity of human experience. By recognizing that our identities are constantly changing and evolving, we can better understand ourselves and others, creating richer and more meaningful relationships along the way.
How do queer people embody the theology of becoming rather than being?
The idea that one's gender is not fixed but fluid and can change over time has been popularized by queer theorists such as Judith Butler. According to this perspective, gender is not simply biological but also social and cultural; it is shaped by our experiences and interactions with others. In other words, we are not born "male" or "female," but instead come to understand ourselves through the lens of our environment.