The idea that increased visibility for LGBTQ+ people is tantamount to greater acceptance within society has become ubiquitous among many progressive activists and politicians. In fact, this assumption can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when homosexuality was decriminalized in New York City. Despite the successes of the gay liberation movement, however, it's important to remember that legitimizing queer identity does not always translate into social change. There are long-term implications of equating visibility with political power that need to be considered before we begin to believe that simply being "out" will solve all of our problems. This essay seeks to explore why more visibility may not mean less discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
When it comes to politics, there are certain benefits associated with having a visible presence as an LGBTQ+ person or ally. In recent years, the number of elected officials who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer has risen dramatically. In 2020 alone, at least five states saw their first openly LGBTQ+ members take office—from city councils to state legislatures to Congress itself. These individuals represent a new generation of leaders who have been able to successfully campaign based on their sexual orientation without facing significant pushback from voters. And yet, they still face significant barriers when trying to enact meaningful policy changes that would benefit their constituents.
While Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) is known for being one of just two out gay men serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, he recently introduced legislation to ban conversion therapy nationwide only to meet resistance from his own party leadership. It seems that even if visibility can lead to greater representation, it doesn't necessarily translate into increased acceptance or support among decision makers and lawmakers.
Many activists argue that increased public awareness about issues related to LGBTQ+ people can help spark conversations around how society understands gender identity and sexuality in general. By bringing these topics into mainstream media outlets like television shows or films, we may be able to break down stereotypes surrounding what it means to be queer or trans.
This approach can also backfire: When stories involving queer characters are sensationalized or treated with voyeurism, viewers may feel uncomfortable about them instead of sympathetic.
Some believe that simply seeing more representations won't make us change our attitudes; rather, we need real social change in order to move beyond prejudice towards respect and understanding.
There is evidence suggesting that visible minorities may actually experience higher rates of discrimination than those who remain closeted due to fear of stigma or discrimination. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that lesbian couples were less likely to feel accepted at work compared to heterosexual counterparts when they disclosed their sexual orientation, while bisexuals reported experiencing more microaggressions after coming out (even though they had previously been seen as "more socially acceptable"). This suggests that not all queer people benefit equally from increased visibility—and some may face further harassment because of it.
Despite its obvious benefits, equating political legitimacy with LGBTQ+ visibility ignores long-term implications for the community writ large. While more representation is always welcome, activists should continue pushing for meaningful policy changes that address systemic inequities faced by queer individuals across industries such as housing, healthcare, education, employment and law enforcement. And finally, even though being "out" may result in short-term gains like greater acceptance within certain circles, we must recognize that this isn't always enough: For true equality to be achieved, society needs fundamental shifts toward inclusion and justice on every level.
What are the long-term social implications of equating visibility with legitimacy in queer political discourse?
Equating visibility with legitimacy is common among many LGBTQ+ activists, especially when engaging with the public eye or policymakers. This strategy has helped raise awareness for their issues and build alliances within the community, but it can also create problems in the long run by obscuring more complex social realities such as heteronormativity, class inequality, and racialized oppression.