Queer theory: what does it consist of?

The theory thatueer It is an ideological framework that defends that sexual orientations, as well as sexual and gender identities, are a social construction. Thus, there are no roles determined by human nature, but rather different socially constructed ways of living sexuality.

Your name, queer, means ‘to destabilize, disturb, twist’. Thus, this theory emerged to understand and defend the rights of all those people who deviate from the identities and behaviors considered the norm. From this perspective, classifications of people into universal categories are rejected such as “man”, “woman, “heterosexual”, “bisexual” or “transsexual”, for example.

Although this theory can be applied to other social and political aspects, it is generally known for its study in the area of ​​sexuality and identity. It’s more, tries to accommodate all “transgressive” people that are not welcomed or protected by other perspectives.

An example, the theory queer considers all people regardless of their social class, sex, ethnicity or any other classification. In this sense, it moves away from any structure that can be related to hierarchies or discriminatory elements.

The beginnings of the theory

The theory queer was born out of women’s studies, feminist theories and homosexuality studies. It also develops from postmodern and poststructuralist sociological theories. The first made a strong criticism of the tradition and rationality of Western modernity. The second focused on subjectivity and how we construct meanings.

In 1991, Teresa de Lauretis used the term for the first time queer to refer to a way of thinking that does not respond to heterosexuality or the binary gender (man/woman). In other words, to defend a more fluid idea of ​​gender identity. However, the text that is usually taken as a reference for this theory is “Gender in Dispute”, it was written by Judith Butler (1990).

This book talks about the so-called heterosexual matrix, which refers to a set of ideas, discourses and cultural behaviors that aim to differentiate the sexes and perpetuate heterosexuality. Faced with that, the theory queer defends that gender identity is a representation, a performance, which imitates roles created previously. Thus, they suggest that, in reality, identity is something dynamic, fluid and individual.

The social movement

Simultaneously with all the theoretical and academic reflection, A strong movement took place to fight for the recognition of other gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as their rights. Furthermore, this movement emerged as a demand for public research on AIDS, strongly associated with people queer.

In it, the organization AIDS Act Up emerged, which played an important role fighting institutions that perpetuated stigmas about these people. In addition, they fought for their vision both in the media and in education and for their recognition in medicine and politics. In this way, even today, the movement queer It is closely related to politics and sexual dissent. That is, for the social struggle for freedom of gender, affections and sexuality.

Main aspects

Gender, identity and sexual orientation They are social constructions, just like the feminine and the masculine. They are roles that they play for you.Criticism of heterosexualitysince it is considered a regime of power and discipline that aims to perpetuate gender stereotypes and, thereby, regulate sexuality.Identity is in constant movement and, therefore, it changes. Thus, someone may currently consider themselves homosexual, but in time may consider themselves bisexual.Is important not to label and classify people into socially constructed categories. In this way, be queer It is not belonging to the LGTBI community, but it goes beyond that. Be queer It is, specifically, not assuming a specific gender identity or sexual orientation. The theory queer criticizes any normalization processsince that is the mechanism by which taboos, stereotypes and cultural hierarchies are transmitted.

critics

The theory queer It has received plenty of criticism over the years. Among them are mainly those who doubt that it really is an inclusive and tolerant theory. Thus, if the term queer does not refer to a specific identity or orientation, heterosexual people could consider themselves queer. In this way, some think that by making this inclusion the distinction would be eliminated, and discriminating again, for example, against homosexual people.

On the other hand, theory is above all a critique and a fight against any idea of ​​normality. To question the standards. However, this is considered by many to be a double-edged sword. By considering that all sexual desires are lawful and unique, they consider that some more ethically dubious sexual behaviors could be legitimized. For example, some paraphilias or prostitution.

Likewise, this fact of considering all sexualities equally could be making invisible the discrimination suffered by LGTBI people, promoting and perpetuating behaviors closer to heteropatriarchal discourse.

In conclusion

Like any other theory, it is a set of thoughts that is constantly evolving and defining. Thus, whether or not it is the best explanation of these phenomena, there is no doubt that the theory queer, At least, it leads us to consider the social constructs that we must reconsider.

Reflecting on what is considered normal and what is socially permitted is a necessary task.. As well as fighting for the rights of any group that suffers some type of discrimination.

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