The Queerness of Black Studies
In the dynamic interplay between gender, sexuality, and society, identities are often formed and reformed through processes of resistance and subversion. Cultural subversion refers to the ways in which marginalized groups challenge dominant norms and create new forms of expression and existence. Gender and sexuality, being fluid and diverse, offer rich terrains for these acts of defiance. This essay explores how gender and sexuality cultivate routes for cultural subversion, societal deviance as resistance, and potential liberation, while also considering the risks of falling into the traps of normative identity constructs. This perspective always sparks my mind whenever I read the history of race and culture.
Gender and Sexuality as Routes for Cultural Subversion
Gender and sexuality have historically been arenas for subversive practices that challenge dominant cultural narratives. In "An Intimate History of Slavery and Freedom," the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality during the slavery era reveal the complexities of identity formation and resistance. Enslaved women, for instance, utilized their sexuality as a form of resistance against their oppressors, subverting the power dynamics imposed by a patriarchal and racist society. This subversion is evident in the ways they negotiated their autonomy and self-worth despite the oppressive conditions they faced (Jones-Rogers, 2020).
Similarly, "An Atlas of the Wayward" showcases the lives of individuals who deviate from societal norms and carve out spaces for resistance and liberation. This text illustrates how gender nonconforming and queer individuals create alternative networks and communities that resist the hegemonic norms of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. By living authentically and defying gender binaries, these individuals challenge societal expectations and create new cultural narratives that celebrate diversity and fluidity (Brown, 2021).
Societal Deviance as Resistance
Societal deviance, particularly in the context of gender and sexuality, often serves as a powerful form of resistance against oppressive structures. In the film "Paris is Burning," the ballroom culture of New York City’s LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and 1990s exemplifies how deviance can be a form of resistance. The participants in this subculture, many of whom were marginalized due to their race, gender identity, and sexual orientation, created a space where they could express themselves freely and critique the dominant social norms through performance and fashion. The act of 'walking' in balls, embodying various gender roles, and competing for recognition and status was a form of reclaiming power and asserting identity in a world that often sought to erase them (Livingston, 1990).
"A League of Their Own" also presents a narrative of gender subversion and resistance. Set during World War II, the film follows the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, where women took on roles traditionally reserved for men. This shift challenged gender norms and provided women with an opportunity to assert their capabilities and independence. Although the league itself operated within certain constraints of femininity imposed by the era, it nonetheless represented a significant step towards challenging the rigid gender roles of the time (Marshall, 1992).
Potential Liberation and the Webbed Trap of Constructive Identities
While acts of subversion and resistance can lead to potential liberation, they also run the risk of falling into the webbed trap of constructive identities. This trap occurs when subversive identities are co-opted or absorbed into the dominant culture, thereby losing their radical potential. In "Claudine," we see the complexities of navigating societal expectations and personal identity. Claudine, a single mother, navigates the welfare system, racial prejudice, and gender roles while maintaining her dignity and sense of self. Her relationship with Roop, a garbage collector, highlights the intersections of race, class, and gender, and how they can both empower and constrain individuals (Berry, 1974).
The co-optation of subversive identities is also evident in how certain aspects of LGBTQ+ culture have been mainstreamed. For instance, the commercialization of Pride events often dilutes the radical origins of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, reducing it to a marketable celebration rather than a protest against ongoing discrimination and inequality. This phenomenon is seen in "Paris is Burning," where the ballroom culture, originally a radical space of resistance, has elements that have been appropriated by mainstream fashion and entertainment industries, thus losing some of its subversive edge (Livingston, 1990).
Conclusion
Gender and sexuality serve as potent arenas for cultural subversion, societal deviance, and potential liberation. Through the examination of historical and contemporary texts, we see how marginalized individuals and communities challenge dominant norms and create new forms of identity and expression. "An Intimate History of Slavery and Freedom" and "An Atlas of the Wayward" illustrate the resilience and creativity of those who defy normative constructs, while "Paris is Burning" and "A League of Their Own" highlight the power of communal spaces in fostering resistance. However, the journey towards liberation is fraught with the risk of co-optation, as seen in "Claudine" and the mainstreaming of LGBTQ+ culture. To truly achieve liberation, it is crucial to remain vigilant against the forces that seek to assimilate and neutralize subversive identities, ensuring that the radical potential of gender and sexuality continues to challenge and transform societal norms.
These are some examples that I found to summarize each source based on sexuality and gender. As a queer studies major, this perspective was always something that I found in.
Claudine (1974) - Directed by John Berry
Gender Roles and Expectations: The film portrays Claudine Price, a single mother raising six children while working as a maid. It explores the struggles of black women in a socio-economic context where traditional gender roles and systemic obstacles significantly impact their lives.
Sexuality: Claudine’s relationship with Rupert Marshall showcases aspects of adult romantic and sexual relationships amidst financial and social challenges. The complexities of their relationship reflect the intersections of love, sexuality, and survival within the welfare system.
2. An Atlas of the Wayward (2021) - Written by S. Brown
Queer Identities: Brown's work maps out the lives of individuals who defy conventional norms of gender and sexuality, providing narratives that highlight diverse queer experiences.
Fluidity of Gender and Sexuality: The book challenges binary notions of gender and sexuality, presenting characters and real-life individuals whose identities and desires are fluid and multifaceted.
3. An Intimate History of Slavery and Freedom (2020) - Written by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers
Gendered Experiences of Enslavement: The book delves into the distinct experiences of enslaved women, focusing on how gender influenced their roles, resistance, and resilience within the institution of slavery.
Sexual Exploitation and Autonomy: Jones-Rogers examines how enslaved women navigated sexual exploitation by their enslavers, as well as how they sought autonomy over their bodies and relationships in the face of oppressive systems.
4. Paris is Burning (1990) - Directed by Jennie Livingston
Ball Culture and LGBTQ+ Community: This documentary highlights the vibrant ball culture of New York City, which provided a space for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly people of color, to express their gender and sexuality freely.
Transgender and Drag Performances: The film showcases the lives of transgender individuals and drag performers, illuminating their struggles, aspirations, and the significance of performance as an expression of identity and resistance.
5. A League of Their Own (1992) - Directed by Penny Marshall
Women in Sports: The film centers on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, breaking gender stereotypes by showcasing women excelling in a male-dominated sport during World War II.
Subtextual Queer Themes: While the film primarily focuses on gender, there are subtextual readings that suggest queer undertones in the relationships and camaraderie among the female players, reflecting broader themes of female solidarity and non-conformity to traditional gender roles.
References
Berry, J. (Director). (1974). Claudine [Film]. 20th Century Fox.
Brown, S. (2021). An Atlas of the Wayward. XYZ Publishing.
Jones-Rogers, S. E. (2020). An Intimate History of Slavery and Freedom. HarperCollins.
Livingston, J. (Director). (1990). Paris is Burning [Film]. Kanopy.
Marshall, P. (Director). (1992). A League of Their Own [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
