I will explore how global political, economic, and cultural hierarchies shape which queer narratives are amplified, marginalized, or erased. I will begin by discussing the definition of "queerness" and its relationship to power structures before delving into specific examples from different countries and regions around the world. By examining these cases, I aim to illuminate broader patterns and trends that reveal the ways in which dominant ideologies limit or promote certain representations of queerness while silencing others.
I will offer some reflections on how scholars can better understand and challenge these dynamics through research and activism.
Defining Queerness
The term "queer" is often used to describe people who identify as LGBTQ+, but it has also been adopted by many individuals and communities who reject mainstream definitions of sexuality and gender. According to activist and academic Sara Ahmed, "queer" refers to those whose lives and identities fall outside of normative expectations, including cisgender and heterosexual people. As such, it encompasses a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and identities that challenge traditional binary categories of sex and gender.
The meaning of queerness is not fixed but contingent upon social and historical contexts. It can be shaped by various factors, including race, class, disability status, nationality, religion, and more. This fluidity underscores the complexity of power relations within queer communities and highlights the need for nuanced analysis.
Power Dynamics and Representation
Queerness intersects with global political, economic, and cultural hierarchies in complex ways.
Some countries criminalize homosexuality, while others decriminalized it only recently.
Different societies have varying attitudes toward transgender and non-binary identities. These disparities reveal how power structures shape which narratives are amplified or erased. In countries where queerness is stigmatized or illegal, marginalized groups may feel pressure to conform to dominant ideologies to survive, while those with access to resources may gain visibility through media representation. On the other hand, in countries where queerness is celebrated, certain narratives may become dominant at the expense of others.
Examples from Around the World
To illustrate these dynamics, I will examine three case studies: India, South Africa, and Mexico. India has a history of colonialism and imperialism that shapes contemporary attitudes towards sexuality and gender. The Indian Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2018, yet cis-heteronormative values remain prevalent in mainstream culture. Trans women face high levels of violence and discrimination, and hijras (transgender individuals) continue to be stigmatized. By contrast, in South Africa, LGBTQ+ rights are enshrined in law, but activists still fight against racism and xenophobia that limit access to healthcare and employment.
Mexico has a long tradition of resistance against Western imperialism and neocolonialism, leading to diverse representations of queer lives across television, film, literature, and art.
Machismo (masculine pride) remains a dominant cultural ideal that limits representation for many LGBTQ+ individuals.
This article highlights how global power structures influence which queer narratives are amplified, marginalized, or erased. By understanding these dynamics, scholars can better challenge hegemonic ideologies and promote more inclusive representations of queerness. Activists can also use this knowledge to advocate for policy changes and social justice initiatives that empower marginalized communities.
We must work together to create a world where all queer identities are celebrated and recognized as valid expressions of human diversity.
How do global political, economic, and cultural hierarchies influence which queer narratives are amplified, marginalized, or erased?
Global political, economic, and cultural hierarchies play an important role in determining which queer narratives are amplified, marginalized, or erased. These hierarchies can be shaped by various factors such as race, gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, and disability status. In some cases, dominant groups may actively suppress queer stories that challenge their hegemony or power structures.