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NEWS & LETTERS, February - March 2009
Queer radicalism -- struggle continues
That's Revolting! Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation, edited by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore (Soft Skull Press, 2004)
That's Revolting! is an important, exciting and profound reminder of the true meaning of the word "radicalism" in a time when even social justice activists often think that the word means a mindless quest to hold the most extreme views possible. The book describes how the Gay Liberation Movement, which began with the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, started off as radical, that is, as desiring a solution to all oppressions and seeing Queer oppression as interwoven with them. This movement viewed Queerness as inherently a threat to an oppressive order of patriarchy, capitalism, and imperialism and at the same time a celebration of creativity, sexuality, and community.
The mainstream Gay rights movement that emerged from that radical beginning now mostly concentrates on achieving assimilation and success within capitalism for white, middle-class, gender-conforming, "straight-acting" and able-bodied Gays and Lesbians. (This is also the way a positive Gay identity is usually portrayed in television shows.) This approach leaves out not only Bisexual, Transgender, "gender-nonconforming" (or "Genderqueer") and Intersexed people, it also leaves out others including people of color, poor people, and people with disabilities.
The early Gay Liberation Movement not only recognized that many Queer people also belong to these other groups but saw Queers as allies who must fight all oppression. In contrast, the Gays who achieve success in the capitalistic mainstream world sometimes use their privilege to oppress others. For example, Gay property and business owners often fight to arrest homeless Queer youth of color and have even opposed a neighborhood homeless shelter. In another example, a San Francisco LGBT center sponsored a fundraiser for the conservative, anti-poor politician Gavin Newsom and allowed police to violently bash protesters. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) also supports conservative politicians.
This book relates the history of some early Gay liberation groups such as the Gay Liberation Front and individuals such as Silvia Rivera, a Transgendered activist for Queer homeless youth. More importantly, it describes the flamboyant activism of some of the many recent radical Queer groups, from the 1990s to the present, who continue to hold the values of the early movement. Gay Shame interrupts corporate-sponsored Pride parades with "Gay Shame Awards" for those who support gentrification and war. FIERCE! is an organization of Queer homeless youth who hold vigils for victims of homophobic and transphobic murders and organize to reclaim public spaces and resources. Activists also describe their participation in the 1999 demonstration against the World Trade Organization and activists who are both Queer and Jewish discuss their activism in support of Palestine.
The book also contains personal stories and a lot of thoughtful discussion by individuals and activist groups about how oppressions are interrelated and what Queer culture brings to the struggle. There is discussion of the importance of sexual liberation in disconnecting shame from sexual desire and stopping the persecution of sexual minorities. Some writers criticize the goal of legalizing same-sex marriage, writing that all of the benefits it confers can be more fairly distributed to all people by other means. This is controversial and may be a starting point for a longer discussion.
That's Revolting! is relevant because the radical Queer movement is undergoing an even stronger resurgence today with the protests against Proposition 8 and with the continuing struggle against anti-Transgender violence. It is important in helping readers understand the philosophies of this movement and why it is relevant to all people.
--Adele
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