The concept of queerness has been used to describe people who do not conform to traditional heterosexual norms since the late twentieth century. Queer individuals have faced discrimination, marginalization, and violence throughout history due to their non-conforming gender identities and sexual orientations. Despite this, they have developed ways to express themselves and form communities that challenge social norms. Collective memory plays an important role in shaping these identities because it provides a shared understanding of past experiences that inform present-day behavior and attitudes. This paper will explore how collective memories shape queer identity historically and socially by examining how historical events, cultural artifacts, and personal narratives contribute to a common understanding of what it means to be queer.
Historical Events
Historical events play an integral part in forming collective memories and shaping queer identity. The Stonewall Riots in New York City, which took place in June 1969, are often cited as a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism in the United States. On the night of June 28th, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar frequented by members of the community. Patrons and supporters protested against police brutality, leading to six days of rioting and civil disobedience. The event served as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and is remembered annually on June 28th with Pride parades around the world. The Stonewall Riots are also celebrated as a moment of resistance and liberation for many queer people who felt excluded from mainstream society.
Cultural Artifacts
In addition to historical events, cultural artifacts such as music, literature, and film also influence collective memories and queer identity. Many queer individuals have found solace and representation in the arts.
Lesbian and bisexual women have embraced songs by Melissa Etheridge, k.d. lang, and Indigo Girls that express their experiences of love and desire for other women. Similarly, drag performances have been used as a form of political protest and expression of gender non-conformity throughout history. Drag Queen Story Hour, a program that brings drag performers into public libraries to read stories to children, has gained popularity in recent years as a way to challenge traditional gender roles and promote diversity.
Personal Narratives
Personal narratives are another important aspect of collective memory because they provide a firsthand account of lived experiences. Queer individuals have shared their stories through autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories to create a sense of community and solidarity. Examples include Edmund White's autobiographical novel "A Boy's Own Story" (1982), which explores coming out and navigating gay life in New York City during the AIDS epidemic; Alice Walker's essay "The Color Purple: Lesbians in Black America" (1984), which discusses African American lesbians' experiences with racism and homophobia; and David Sedaris's essay "Me Talk Pretty One Day," which humorously recounts his struggles with speech therapy while growing up gay. These personal accounts help build empathy and understanding among queer people who may share similar experiences.
Collective memory plays an essential role in shaping queer identity by providing a common understanding of past events, cultural artifacts, and personal narratives. Historical events such as the Stonewall Riots serve as symbols of resistance and liberation, while cultural artifacts like music and literature offer representation and validation. Personal narratives provide a sense of connection and belonging for many queer individuals. Collective memory serves as a foundation for contemporary activism and social change movements.
How does collective memory shape queer identity historically and socially?
Collective memory shapes queer identity by creating a shared history that is often different from the dominant cultural narrative. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and marginalization as well as empowerment and community building. The way individuals interact with this history can also have important consequences for their personal identities, such as through the formation of pride and resilience.