Resistance. To some, this word may connote an understanding and honoring of progressive freedom movements and to others, it may connote a way of living in the world. A constant battle against oppression, moving towards social acceptance and equality. And although it would be tempting to view resistance from a singular lens, it is of greater importance to recognize that the two are necessary for a clearer image. History and action are key, these two aspects have not only determined the course of past social justice movements, but also the ones lying ahead. Queer resistance is and will remain one of the most emblematic and effective venues towards justice and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Queer history has undergone vast facets of oppression, but these very circumstances have been used as a catalyst, leading the community into various forms of resistance. From choosing to live out their days in non-conforming ways to the organized mobilization of the masses. Rather than subjecting themselves to oppression imposed by individuals, the government and society as a whole, individuals chose to fight back, beginning in small, secretive ways to more explicit and public ways.
Postwar and cold war America was a turbulent time for gays and lesbians - the community faced economic and moral hardships. People were discharged from the military, fired and denied from jobs and could not freely express their emotions for their significant others. Anyone believed to be gay or lesbian was prohibited from having government jobs, or were denied services/equal treatment at restaurants/bars. It was a time of great discouragement and backlash. But as Leila J. Rupp, author of A Desired Past, wrote: “Despite the forces of oppression unleashed against those with same-sex desires in the cold war years, sources of information on homosexuality multiplied and enclaves of acceptance persisted or opened up in a variety of places.” These sources and enclaves were found in the press (magazines, newspapers), literature, elite organizations and public spaces (bars), all forming part of the homophile movement. The Mattachine Society, the Daughters of Bilitis, among other organizations sprung up around the country. Their work along with articles and films presented in the media gave rise to slow but progressive change in policy. Despite the police harassment and slowly changing laws, the push for equal rights continued.
The homophile movement brought the LGBT community into the public scope, but it wasn’t very concerned with other underlying, internal problems. It was effective in policy change, but not in a communal aspect. There was great fear in affiliating with anyone in the movement and for that matter, claiming one’s identity. D’Emilio, author of After Stonewall, wrote: “The enticements of the closet were far more alluring than anything activists could offer. Oppression posed a seemingly insuperable barrier to recruitment… ” And although I agree that the barrier was problematic, I think it’s important to note that oppression was not just a barrier, but a venue towards recruitment as well. The Stonewall riots marked a turning point in gay liberation, but why? As D’Emilio extends, the rise of recruitment after the Stonewall riots was not just influenced by the spontaneous fighting back against the unjust raid but also by other civil mobilizations and movements of marginalized communities during the time. He wrote: “The civil rights movement had proven that ordinary folk, people brutally oppressed and without access to the resources of money and influence… could shake the nation.” Responding and challenging oppression has been one of the most effective aspects of queer resistance. Although the harm has been tremendous, the community has managed to use it as a catalyst, as a motivator to keep pushing forward.
As influential and important these movements/events have been, the image is not yet clear. The struggle towards justice for the LGBTQIA+ community continues and it’s in moments like these, where history and queer resistance take an active role. Current changes in policy by the Trump administration threatens the community’s rights and progress. There is a constant threat to continue and further oppression through policy change and social influence. It is in moments like these where oppression begins to knock at the door, that the community needs to readjust and refocus vision. To do so, understanding queer history but more importantly the oppression and response (resistance) becomes imperative in future action. Doing so allows us to have a “semi-clear” image. Their is an understanding of where we’ve been, what we’ve done, where we are, and what we do, which provides a glimpse into where we’re going and what we’ll do. One, that although difficult and with many obstacles ahead, can enable us to see further and to act further - with a little more clarity.
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