The modern conception of individual liberty has undergone many transformations throughout history. In ancient times, personal autonomy was linked to the ability to act independently and freely according to one's desires without external interference or constraint. This notion of freedom is often associated with the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who believed that individuals must be free to pursue their unique goals and interests in order to achieve eudaimonia or human flourishing.
This view of freedom has been criticized for its focus on self-interest and its failure to account for social structures and relationships.
The idea of freedom evolved into a more liberal conception that emphasizes individual autonomy and choice within the confines of a societal framework. The liberal conception of freedom centers around the belief that individuals should have maximum possible freedom to make choices about their lives, including sexual preferences. It rejects the idea that the state should intervene in matters concerning private morality and instead places the responsibility for moral decision-making solely on the individual. This approach led to the development of the LGBT movement, which argued that homosexuality should be legalized and accepted as a legitimate form of personal expression.
The LGBT conception of freedom differs from the liberal autonomy model in several ways. Firstly, it recognizes that individual autonomy is not an abstract concept but is embedded in relational contexts. Sexual orientation is not simply a matter of personal preference but involves social, cultural, and political factors that shape our experiences of love, desire, and intimacy. Secondly, it challenges the assumption that freedom can be achieved through individualism and self-reliance alone. Instead, it advocates for collective action and solidarity among LGBTQ+ communities. Lastly, it emphasizes embodied liberation by placing the body at the center of sexual experience and politics.
While the liberal autonomy conception of liberty prioritizes individual autonomy and choice within society's boundaries, the LGBT conception of freedom acknowledges that personal freedom cannot be divorced from social relationships and that embodied experiences play a crucial role in shaping one's sense of identity and belonging.
How does the LGBT conception of freedom differ from liberal autonomy—can it be seen as a relational, embodied liberation?
Liberal autonomy emphasizes an individual's ability to freely exercise their personal choice and decision making within the boundaries of society without any restriction. It is centered around an individual's freedom to pursue happiness according to one's preferences. On the other hand, LGBT conceptualization of freedom involves the right to live life on one's terms irrespective of external factors that might affect this process.