Queering, as a theoretical and practical approach, has emerged as a powerful means of challenging and dismantling established politics, power structures, and privilege. Rooted in queer theory, queering involves questioning and disrupting normative categories, identities, and practices that perpetuate hegemonic power. At its core, queering is about questioning the taken-for-granted assumptions that underpin dominant cultural and social norms. By unsettling these norms, queering creates space for marginalized voices and perspectives, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. This process involves not only critiquing existing power dynamics but also imagining and fostering alternative ways of being and relating. This article delves into how queering functions as a tool for deconstructing entrenched systems of dominance, offering a comprehensive analysis with relevant arguments and examples. By highlighting its theoretical foundations and practical applications, this discussion aims to illuminate the ways queering can contribute to a more just and liberated world.
Understanding Queering
Queering is an action-oriented practice that extends beyond mere acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. It interrogates the very foundations of societal norms, questioning binaries and fixed categories. By refusing to conform to traditional understandings of gender and sexuality, queering destabilizes the assumptions that underpin political and social hierarchies. This approach is informed by queer theory, which emerged from the intersection of feminist theory, critical theory, and post-structuralism. Queering challenges the rigid classifications that society often imposes, advocating for a more fluid understanding of identity. For instance, instead of viewing gender as a binary choice between male and female, queering encourages the recognition of a spectrum where identities can exist in multiple, non-fixed forms. By applying a queer lens to issues like racial inequality or economic disparity, it becomes possible to see how various forms of discrimination are interlinked. For instance, Dalit and Adivasi LGBTQ+ individuals might encounter compounded discrimination not only due to their sexual orientation or gender identity but also because of their caste status, which could limit their access to education, employment, and social services.
Queering Politics
Queering politics involves rethinking the ways political structures and ideologies are constructed and maintained. Traditional political systems often marginalize non-normative identities and uphold heteronormative values. By queering politics, activists and theorists aim to create more inclusive and equitable political frameworks. The marriage equality movement is a prime example of queering politics. Initially, marriage was seen as a heteronormative institution designed to reinforce specific gender roles and privileges. Activists queered this institution by demanding the right for same-sex couples to marry, thereby challenging the exclusivity of traditional marriage. This movement not only secured legal recognition for LGBTQ+ couples but also forced a broader re-examination of the institution of marriage itself, questioning its role in perpetuating social inequalities.
Here are some examples from regional politics in India: In 1998, Shabnam Mausi became India’s first transgender MLA, elected to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, advocating for transgender rights and social inclusion, and in 2015 Madhu Bai Kinnar, was elected mayor of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, becoming the first openly Dalit trans mayor elected in India.
Intersectionality in Queering Politics
Queer politics also includes an intersectional approach that recognizes that identities are multifaceted and that oppression operates on multiple levels. Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality highlights how different forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism and homophobia, intersect and interact. Dismantling politics means supporting a politics that addresses these intersecting oppressions, moving beyond single-issue activism. For example, a Dalit woman or a marginalized woman in India may encounter not only caste-based discrimination and gender discrimination but also economic marginalization, and these combined experiences cannot be fully understood when viewed in isolation. Policy reversal means policies that address these overlapping oppressions holistically rather than focusing on individual problems. And so, policies to combat discrimination in the workplace should consider how race, gender, and sexual orientation intersect to create unique barriers for different individuals. Dalit queer activists like Grace Banu highlight how casteism intersects with queer identity. Across the country there are other trans and intersex rights activists who are highlighting the particular struggles of their communities and making a dent in politics. Some government bodies are also addressing issues of discrimination. The Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board (TNTWB) was established in 2008 by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a pioneering initiative to address the healthcare and welfare needs of transgender individuals. This board has implemented several healthcare reforms specifically aimed at supporting transgender people, including those who face additional biases due to their caste and socio-economic status.
Queering Power
Dismantling power means breaking down traditional power dynamics and hierarchies that favor certain groups over others. This involves not only challenging explicit forms of power, but also examining how power operates through norms, language and everyday practices, and how activists disrupt the state’s ability to regulate and manage identity. Delhi-based NGO The Naz Foundation was instrumental in challenging Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual homosexual activity. Another example is Sappho for Equality, a Kolkata-based organization, that focuses on the rights of lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people.
An area where power extends is the workplace, where traditional hierarchies can often marginalise LGBTQ+ people. Implementing inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral restrooms and anti-discrimination safeguards, and fostering a culture of acceptance can help break down those hierarchies. For example, companies that actively promote diversity and inclusion, provide support networks for LGBTQ+ employees and celebrate Pride events can create a workplace where power is more evenly distributed and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Power Dynamics within the LGBTQ+ Community
Dismantling power also means dealing with the inherent hierarchies of the LGBTQ+ community. Issues of classism and transphobia can play out in queer spaces, reinforcing privilege even as those spaces aim to challenge mainstream norms. In India, the LGBTQ+ community is diverse and intersects with various social identities such as caste, class, religion, and region. These intersections can lead to hierarchies within the community, reinforcing privileges and exclusions. By influencing community dynamics, activists strive to create more inclusive and egalitarian spaces that reflect the diversity of queer experiences. Economic inequalities can also permeate queer communities, where wealthier members sometimes dominate decision-making and access to resources. Advocates seek to disrupt these patterns by promoting economic equality and ensuring that support services and opportunities are available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. For example, fees for events or services can help ensure that more people can continue to participate fully in community life. A sliding scale fee structure where participants pay according to their ability would allow those with lower incomes to pay less or nothing at all, and the use of generated revenue from fees could create scholarships or grants for those who may need them.
In Indian society, the concept of caste and class is such that people from higher castes and higher socio-economic backgrounds often have more access to resources, social capital and forums to express their problems, while members of marginalized castes and lower economic strata face more layers of discrimination and limited support. Furthermore, trans people may encounter prejudice, discrimination, and hostility in unfamiliar spaces such as new workplaces, schools, or public areas where they may be subject to misgendering, harassment, stigmatization etc. This is a critical issue that must be addressed to create a truly inclusive environment. This includes identifying and addressing the unique challenges that transgender and non-binary individuals face, such as gender inequality, lack of access to gender-specific health services and social exclusion.
Queering Privilege
Queering privilege involves critically examining and challenging the advantages that certain identities and groups enjoy over others. This includes not only heterosexual and cisgender privilege but also privileges related to other factors. Consequently, discrimination may be based on sexual orientation, as well as caste, ethnicity, and regional background. This intersectionality often exacerbates marginalization and leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to societal rejection and internalized stigma. In India although Section 377 was read down in 2018, there are still no comprehensive laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, education, housing, and healthcare. Activists and scholars have queered the discourse on privilege by highlighting these intersecting oppressions and advocating for more inclusive movements. Organisations like Sangama in Karnataka work specifically with LGBTQ+ individuals from marginalised communities, such as Dalits and other backward classes, addressing the compounded discrimination they face due to their sexuality and social status. By queering privilege, Sangama and similar organisations ensure that their activism is inclusive and representative of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community in India, advocating for policies and social changes that consider these intersecting oppressions.
LGBTQ+ characters and stories in Indian media, challenging traditional representations and stereotypes contribute to creating visibility for the community. Some examples, to name just a few, are films like Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Aligarh, and Arekti Premer Golpo. Pride marches and events in various cities and towns also provide a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities and push for equal rights.
Queering Economic Privilege
Economic privilege within the queer community is another critical issue. The commercialization of Pride events, for instance, often caters to more affluent members of the community while marginalizing those who are economically disadvantaged. By queering the approach to LGBTQ+ advocacy, activists call for a focus on economic justice, ensuring that the needs of the most marginalized are not overlooked in favor of corporate sponsorships and mainstream acceptance. Some ways of doing this are by critiquing Pinkwashing, exposing and criticizing companies that use LGBTQ+ support as a marketing strategy without substantial action to support economic justice for LGBTQ+ workers, and advocating for policies that address income inequality, such as raising the minimum wage, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and expanding social safety nets.
Addressing economic privilege within the queer community requires a shift in how resources are allocated and utilized. Activists emphasize the importance of supporting grassroots organizations that work directly with marginalized populations, rather than funneling money into large, corporate-sponsored events. By prioritizing economic justice and inclusivity, the LGBTQ+ movement can ensure that all voices are heard and that the benefits of advocacy efforts are felt by the entire community, not just those with economic privilege. For instance, local community centres that offer free or low-cost services to queer individuals in need, such as mental health counseling and legal assistance, play a crucial role in creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.
A Way Forward
Queering as a means of dismantling politics, power, and privilege offers a transformative approach to social justice. By challenging normative categories and hierarchies, queering fosters more inclusive and equitable systems. This approach is not without its challenges, as it requires constant reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. However, the potential for creating a more just and inclusive world makes queering a vital strategy in the ongoing struggle for equality. To fully realize the potential of queering as a transformative practice, it is essential to continue expanding its scope and application. This means embracing intersectionality, challenging internal community dynamics, and addressing economic inequalities. In essence, queering is not just about expanding the boundaries of acceptance but about fundamentally rethinking the structures that govern our lives. It is a call to action, urging us to envision and create a world where diverse identities are not merely tolerated but celebrated, and where power and privilege are dismantled to make way for genuine equity and justice.
References:
Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167. https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/faculty_scholarship/3007/
Foucault, M. (1978). The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: An Introduction. Pantheon Books. https://suplaney.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/foucault-the-history-of-sexuality-volume-1.pdf
Jagose, A. (1996). Queer Theory: An Introduction. New York University Press. https://philpapers.org/rec/JAGQTA
Russell, S. T., & Fish, J. N. (2016). Mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 465-487. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093153
Warner, M. (1993). Fear of a Queer Planet: Queer Politics and Social Theory. University of Minnesota Press. https://philpapers.org/rec/WARFOA
Cover Image: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
