Does Queer Justice Exist?

            What is the idea of normal in society? Normal is an idea of what everyone strives to be. We usually do not think about the problems with this idea. In terms of sexuality, the ideal relationship is opposite sex relations between men and women. They are expected to fit particular gender norms.  What about gays, lesbians, or transgender people who do not fit societal expectations? Because they do not fit under societal norms, they have been oppressed creating the issue of queer injustice. A recent New York Daily News article published just a few days ago describes a 23 year old gay man beaten and sexually assaulted. In the same week and in the same area of New York, a transgender woman was attacked as well. Police are investigating the incident.

Law enforcement goals are to protect the community, but knowing their relations with LGTB communities one could question their capabilities. “A study conducted by the National Gay Task Force (now the NGLTF) in the mid-eighties found that 23 percent of gay men and 13 percent of lesbians reported having been harassed, threatened with violence, or physically attacked by police because of their sexual orientation. It remains a daily occurrence for large numbers of LGBT people” (Mogul, 47). This is ironic how a force that is dedicated to the protection of citizens is one of the perpetrators of crime. Hate crimes from both law enforcement and society lead to the marginalization of the LGTB community.  LGBT people of color are at a greater likelihood of oppression because racism works against them along with their sexuality identity. One event recalls “a Filipino man beaten on several occasions by his partner, a white U.S. citizen, was arrested by police officers who told him, ‘You’re not a citizen. We should deport you, you shouldn’t be hitting Americans; you’re not an American” (Mogul, 137). This case shows how people like the man abused show how they are discriminated not only for their sexuality, but also their race. The issue of queer injustice therefore is tied with racism. Working for queer justice not only requires addressing injustices of sexuality but racism as well.  

            With the recent legalization of gay marriage, it is arguable that this is a major achievement in the quest for queer justice. This is agreeable. For such a long time LGTB communities were not granted the same rights as heterosexuals and this new established policy means marriage cannot be discriminatory. Yet even as gay marriage has been legalized and higher amounts of tolerance can be expected, why is it that hate crimes are still rampant? In the midst of so tumultuous events, does queer justice even exist? It is a hard question to answer, but even with heinous crimes I believe that queer justice does exist. It is a work in progress however, and in order to achieve the ultimate goal the work of LGTB communities must continue.

There are results that work in the favor queer justice. A Huffington Post article 9 Ways Life For The LGBT Community Has Improved Since 2005 published May 9^th of last year lists how LGBT rights have improved. To list a few aside from the right of marriage, the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy was repealed, hospital visitation rights were established, and bans on gay boy scout members were lifted. More importantly, protection for hate crimes has increased, the president and celebrities have publicly supported LGBT communities, and transgender people cannot be identified as people with disorders and their protection has increased as well. The recent policy changes benefit LGBT communities once marginalized; now have support from a government that once oppressed them.

            There is tremendous potential for voices of the LGBT community to be heard even better than before. Historically movements have not always been perfect. In the effort to stand up for communities, it did not include other population demographics. For example, it is more likely that a gay Caucasian man would be more respected than a gay man of color. Regardless we have learned from mistakes, using the failures of previous movements helping improve future ones. One of the biggest factors to consider is  “Recognizing the ongoing role of the state as a primary perpetrator of violence in the lives of many LGBT people, they prioritize both individual and systemic challenges to the criminal legal system, as well as the development of alternative, community-based responses to violence” (Mogul, 146). This statement although it demonstrates a system against LGBT communities, actually was a benefit because movements became more inclusive. As movements improved and persisted, the state system was able to change in its position.

 One of the biggest benefits has been safe areas of expression. “S.O.S Collective has developed a Sage Neighborhood campaign, empowering community members to take proactive measures to prevent violence, intervene when violent situations arise, and build stronger relationships between LGBT people of color and their communities” (Mogul, 150). Also “Safe Spaces agree to be visibly identified as places that provide an affirming environment for queer community members, and to prevent and intervene in racist, sexist, homophobic, and transphobic violence” (Mogul, 150). Areas like this have helped people including those of color speak out against the oppressions that society and the state have conducted. This was not only beneficial for the activist movements, but also gaining the support of the government.  A survey from Urvashi Vaid in the article Still Ain’t Satisfied in 2011 states “Currently, 57% of Democrats favor making marriage legal, while only 23% of Republicans agrees” (Vaid, 6). Vaid also states about the community that “In 2004, 56% answered, ‘sexual relations between two adults of the same-sex are always wrong,’ but by 2010, that number has dropped to 44%” (Vaid, 9). This shows tremendous progression leading to the success today in the improvement of lifestyles within the LGBT communities. We agree that hate crimes still happen and there is not universal acceptance for LGBT people. That cannot stop how far society has come though. In order to achieve queer justice more people must be willing to speak out against the oppressions that still live on. Having places where they can express themselves is the most important aspect of the LGBT activist movements. Movements now are more inclusive than they were historically, granting the ability for more people including those of color to become more involved. Queer justice means working with activists and political connections even if it has not worked well with society in the past. There is more support for LGBT than there was before both in society and in politics. This advantage can be used to claim that LGBT members should not be physically assaulted or not be discriminated against because of their sexuality and race. It is hard to see how it can exist with hate crimes and other related incidents, but the political, social, and community support is much greater than the injustices that pursue. Even if the conflicts are numerous, the voices of victims will be less likely to be silenced with areas where they can express themselves. The LGBT movements once marginalized are now gaining much more support marginalizing those that oppose them. Queer justice is still in progress, but it is possible to work within the governmental system and various support networks. Continuing to express the voices of those needed and in time change will come. The state was the main perpetrator, but speaking against it created a more supportive society. It is now just a matter of continuing progress made over time to protect people from physical and discriminatory violence and acts.