Opinion: Hypocritically Queer

By Nathan (2021 Contest Submission)

Amongst the LGBTQIA+ community there is pride, however what remains abundantly present are distinctive instances of bigotry. Bigotry against fellow community members based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or even self expression. The community is a red herring of sorts, a driving force that urges for equality while in its heart lies unmanaged levels of hatred and resentment. In recent history, these issues have come to light, however many members actively choose to ignore them without good reason. Thus, it must be understood that bigotry is alive and well within the community and for now, stands as a hypocritical and hateful entity.

In regards to race, many issues arise for the community especially amongst representation. For instance, many critically acclaimed films based around the LGBTQIA+ community are seen as the pinnacle of progression. However what they truly are is the misrepresentation of the community entirely. Call Me By Your Name, Love Simon, The Danish Girl, The Favorite, God’s Own Country, and so many others consistently portray the main characters as white or white-passing individuals. What this inevitably causes is the lifting of white representation through the media in the community, in turn silencing BIPOC voices and perspectives. While there are a number of exclusions to this rule such as the Oscar Winning Moonlight, it is still rapidly apparent that the number of white-focused films greatly outnumber that of BIPOC. Although the main factor in this is the media, it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on the community on who should be considered in more of a high regard. Let alone the fact that it bars queer BIPOC from seeing themselves and their perspectives on the screen. Furthermore, general racism proves a difficulty within the community as many members deem themselves as more worthy than others. In turn, white promotion and general racism stand as a sign of racial tension within the community.

Although it seems improbable, the LGBTQIA+ community consists of individuals that de-legitimize and belittle one another. For instance, many transphobes in the community invalidate transgender persons by claiming their membership in the “LGB” community. This problem is exacerbated when sexually queer persons do not recognize the pronouns of gender queer individuals. Additionally, Bi-phobia and Pan-phobia are existent within the community as well. From lesbians and gay men claiming that bisexuals are “not actually” bisexual, or bisexuals claiming that pansexuals are actually just bisexual. These internal conflicts stand to tear the community apart, and seem to be a key factor in how the community seems hypocritical. Furthermore, the issue of self expression stands as a controversial topic within the community. There is consistent tension, especially amongst the gay members around the idea of masculine vs. feminine. In general, gay members have branded “Masc4Masc no fems” as a way to display their “type”. When in reality, this concept attacks the self-expression of many members of the community by warranting the idea that they are not “worthy” or “undesirable”. Furthermore, stereotypes on masculinity and femininity persist in the community. For instance, Lesbians and Bi-woman have been attacked and belittled on the basis that they were too feminine to be queer. The community stands for acceptance, yet many will turn their heads at others for not fitting in with their normalities.

Major religions seem to have always been active antagonizers of the LGBTQIA+ community and its members. Although many religions, especially in the context of the United States frown on the community, many members of these religions accept queer individuals. Yet there is a stemming prejudice from the community itself to other religions. For instance, many queer influencers have come under fire for attacking and harassing entire religions such as Islam for their basis around the LGBTQIA+. These influencers before they had publicly apologized, were deemed Islamophobic and rightfully so. Yet many queer individuals have defended these influencers claiming that these religions wish their own death and their rights stripped. Although this may seem as an instinctual reaction to prejudice and oppression, it is truly problematic for it fails to understand intersectionality within the community. Religion is not only barred to those of the cis-hetero, since for the most part it is an ideology anyone can connect to. When members of the LGBTQIA+ community attack entire religions, especially ones that are marginalized as well in the United States, they are in turn further marginalizing members of its own community for being religious. The thoughts that a religion prescribes too can and should be condemned on, however entirely attacking religions should not be considered credible since it creates harmful rhetoric. Rhetoric that can easily fuel more intense forms of bigotry within the LGBTQIA+ community.

During the 60s and 70s, a sense of solidarity and shared effort persisted within the LGBTQIA+ community. Transgender BIPOC women led the efforts for queer rights and the AIDS epidemic further solidified a shared struggle. Yet what remains now is a divided community, filled with racism, belittlement, de-legitimatization, and general prejudice. What once stood as a pillar of acceptance and equality is now only remnants of what was. Now, the entire community simply seems hypocritically queer.