To Queer or Not to Queer?

Usage of the word “queer” connotes being unusually different, against typical mainstream and on first impression seems like a negative term that signifies how someone prefers to identify as liking the same sex. Not knowing the meaning of queer though questions whether society should choose to embrace the term or not. Annamarie Jagose in Queer Theory states that “Queer is not a conspiracy to discredit lesbian and gay; it does not seek to devalue the indisputable gains made in their name. Its principal achievement is to draw attention to the assumptions that intentionally or otherwise inhere in the mobilization of any identity category, including itself” (Jagose, 126). Although there is not a definite way to define queer, it should be embraced by society because it describes the long term struggle for equality even in this generation. Below are the following reasons why queer should be embraced and accepted.

• It represents the struggle of various population demographics. Jagose says “The increasingly organized articulation of the identities of lesbians and gays of colour destabilized the notion of a unitary gay identity” (Jagose, 63). What this means is that homosexuality applies to more than just one particular group of people. The struggle for equality is more large scale than thought. Movements for equality have been unsuccessful especially since there is “difficulty in absorbing or controlling challenges to its authority from groups which are even more marginalized” (Jagose, 62). Despite the fact that efforts for equality have left out certain groups, the movements still have potential to be successful. It is just a matter of identifying the same oppression that applies to gay and lesbian people both face. Basically, it is a trial and error. Groups stand up for gay and lesbian rights, but just make the mistake of leaving out particular groups. Standing up for equality has happened and it cannot be ignored. It just needs to be improved
• There is evidence of improved movements. Jagose states Julia Parnaby’s quote “’Queer aims to provide an arena where men and women work together to fight men’s battles’ (Parnaby, 1993:14)” (Jagose, 117). This shows a unity amongst sexes fighting against patriarchy. AIDs was the example mentioned and that “gay men would not reciprocate the support and efforts of lesbians in the AIDS crisis” (Jagose, 118). Even if this may portray a bad image of gay men, the fact that men who could identify as gay or relate to lesbian women, is evidence that movements become more inclusive as injustices arise.
• More importantly however, is that equality efforts have been continuous. During the time of Gay Liberation, it was stated “In spite of its conservatism, the homophile movement did much to generate an emergent sense of community and identity politics; although its attempts to transform itself into a mass movement were unsuccessful, its legacy benefited gay liberation” (Jagose, 32). The failed crusade does not necessarily mean complete failure. Since people feel they could identify and relate to the issues, it would be inevitable that they would recognize injustices and want to do something about it. Ignoring their protests cannot continue given the persistency.
• The ongoing struggle has gone into the 21^st century. This is where a revolutionary recent event of permitting gay marriage has become one of the biggest reasons to embrace the term queer. The New York Times Article posted here states legalization has changed the United States. To name a few, taxes have been reformed, marriage licenses would be issued even in conservative states like Texas, Missouri, and Georgia, and even Republican governor of Arizona vetoed a bill quote “that would have allowed business owners to deny services to invoke their religious convictions to deny services to gay men and lesbians.” Some churches like the United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio celebrated gay marriage permissibility. This is especially surprising considering the Republican and church beliefs are usually against same sex marriage and/or relationships. There is still opposition such as legislation in North Carolina where only opposite sex marriages are permitted. There are also religious institutions funded by government that could promote discrimination efforts against gays and lesbians. Despite the opposition, marriage establishment of marriage equality and the ongoing support for the Supreme Court’s decision is still very active. Nick Corasaniti, one of the authors writing about the event states “3.8 million people in the United States made 10.1 million likes, posts, comments and shares on Facebook related to the decision, according to data provided by the social media company.” The millions of supporters and recent events supporting their positions triumphs the opposition. It may have taken a long time for equality to be established amongst the gay and lesbian community, but traditional beliefs against gay marriage is tremendously weakened with the great numbers of supporters and the legislation decision that affected even conservative states. This image is a perfect representation of the long term struggle that has finally resulted in triumph. http://www.nytimes.com/live/supreme-court-rulings/?action=click&contentCollection=U.S.&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

 

In conclusion, queer is a term that should be embraced by society. It represents an extensive struggle for equality climaxed with gay marriage permitted in throughout the United States in the 21^st century. Jagose in Queer Theory describes movements for equality and how they have failed at times, not being inclusive for everyone. More importantly though is that even when these movements were unsuccessful, they gave people a sense of identity to continue to protest. Now that gay marriage is legal, there is still opposition but supporters and legislative decisions can counter opposing arguments. Queer is definitely not a loose term especially since there is no definite definition. It does however; refer to movements fighting for acceptance in societal culture uniting people with ways to identify. The unification and the eventual legalized rights for gays and lesbians today can give queer an overall positive connotation, representing victory for equality even with long time opposition that was finally broken.

Main Question: How do people identify their sexual orientation?