The way we construct our identities is essential to how we understand ourselves and our place within society. This includes aspects such as race, gender, age, and sexual orientation. Politicians, activists, and advocates have long used their sexual identity as a tool to gain public support or influence social change.
This has led to an instrumentalization of queerness that can undermine individuals' authenticity, autonomy, and sense of belonging. This essay will explore the impact of politically and socially instrumentalizing queer identities on personal agency, authenticity, and community cohesion.
Instrumentalizing Queer Identities for Political Gain
Politicians may use their queer identity to gain public support or further their political goals.
When US President Barack Obama came out in favor of gay marriage, it was seen as a strategic move to garner votes from liberal voters ahead of his reelection campaign. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has used his identity as a biracial man who married a woman from another ethnic background to appeal to multiculturalism. While instrumentalizing one's identity may be effective in some situations, it can also undermine individual authenticity. By presenting themselves as 'gay' or 'transgender,' they risk reinforcing stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people and erasing nuance. It also means that they are judged based on their sexuality rather than their abilities or qualifications. In addition, these politicians may become subject to criticism if they do not uphold the expectations associated with their identity.
The Impact on Personal Agency
Political or social instrumentalization of queer identities can limit personal agency by reducing individuals to labels instead of fully realized humans. Individuals may feel pressure to conform to certain norms or expectations related to their gender or sexual orientation. They may be forced into roles they don't want or believe aren't true to themself. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. It can also prevent individuals from exploring other aspects of their personality or interests.
Instrumentalizing Queer Identities for Social Change
Society often pressures members of marginalized communities to speak up for others like them.
Trans activist Laverne Cox is expected to represent all trans women even though she may not identify with every experience. This creates an added burden on individuals already struggling with discrimination and stigma. As a result, many choose to remain silent about their experiences, which harms community cohesion.
When one group becomes spokespersons for another, it creates divisions within the community.
By focusing on specific issues, it ignores intersectionality and perpetuates oppression in other areas such as race, class, disability, and religion.
Politically or socially instrumentalizing queer identities can have significant consequences on individual authenticity, autonomy, and community cohesion. It erases nuance and reduces individuals to stereotypes that don't reflect reality. It limits personal agency by forcing people into boxes based on their identity rather than their abilities or beliefs. Moreover, it creates divisions within communities by putting one voice at the center. Instead, we should focus on inclusivity, understanding, and empowering diverse voices without compromising one group over another.
What are the consequences of politically or socially instrumentalizing queer identities for personal authenticity, agency, and community cohesion?
One potential consequence of politically or socially instrumentalizing queer identities is that it can lead to a loss of personal authenticity as individuals may feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or norms associated with being "queer. " This can also limit their ability to fully express themselves and be true to who they are. Additionally, it could lead to feelings of alienation from communities or groups that do not align with these expectations or norms.