Queerness is the practice or identity of LGBTQ+ people who do not conform to heteronormative or cisnormative expectations of their gender or sexual orientation. It has challenged traditional psychological theories on gender, morality, and selfhood since its emergence as a concept in the early 1990s. These theories view gender as an innate characteristic that is fixed and immutable from birth. They also hold that moral values are universal and objective, with deviations from them being wrong and dangerous.
They consider selfhood to be dependent on socialization and role performance, which means it can be shaped by external influences such as family, culture, and society.
Queerness challenges these assumptions by demonstrating that gender is fluid and can change throughout one's life, that morals are subjective and contextual, and that individuals have agency to construct their own identities.
Some transgender people may identify as male or female based on their physical characteristics but feel more comfortable expressing feminine or masculine traits. This suggests that gender is not just about biology but also about personal choice and expression. Similarly, many people engage in consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, or kinky sex, which challenges the idea that morality is fixed and monogamy is always right. Lastly, many queer people reject rigid social roles and expectations, preferring instead to create their own unique identities that defy conventional norms.
These challenges to traditional psychological theories have had significant implications for research and practice.
Clinicians must now recognize that gender dysphoria can affect anyone regardless of their assigned sex at birth and that sexual orientation can evolve over time. They should also acknowledge that moral judgments depend on cultural factors and individual experiences.
Therapists should encourage clients to explore their feelings and beliefs rather than imposing standardized ideals on them.
Understanding queerness has led to a broader view of human diversity and complexity, allowing us to appreciate nuances and complexities in our lived experience.
How does queerness challenge traditional psychological theories about gender, morality, and selfhood?
The term "queer" is often used to describe those who do not identify with heteronormative concepts of sexuality, gender, and identity. This can include individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and more. Queerness challenges traditional psychological theories by rejecting the idea that there are only two genders (male and female) and that everyone must conform to these rigid categories.