The past two weeks at the MGLCC have been so busy and hectic I've barely had time to catch my breath, although I've enjoyed every minute of it. Most of the increased activity has been due to the recent SCOTUS Marriage Equality ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in every U.S. state. This has been such an exciting and well deserved moment in the LGBTQ community that shows how important places like the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center are in advocating for LGBTQ rights, and creating visibility for Queer people in public spaces.
Before I started working at the MGLCC, I had an idea of what the "LGBT community" meant, but my preconceptions have been challenged constantly since I started this fellowship. There were many instances where I thought of the Queer community as one monolithic entity where all LGBTQ people are celebrated and recognized equally regardless of how mainstream or "different" their identities happen to be. But the recent marriage equality ruling has helped me to see otherwise. Marriage equality is the issue at the forefront of the gay rights movement for a good reason - it's not as controversial as allowing transgender people to change their gender on important documents or their driver's license, it doesn't sound as "crazy" as states protecting their Queer citizens from harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In other words, legalizing marriage equality is safe. That's not to say that the ruling isn't important; it is, but there are so many other issues that Queer people face that need to come after marriage equality.
This is not a unanimous mindset in LGBTQ circles - as within any social category, there are many instances in which power and privilege determine the ways that people move through society and determine what's important to them. For instance, some of the more privileged members of the community - white, upper middle class gay men and women - support marriage equality but are less likely to stand behind the causes trans* or intersex people are rallying around. There are times that the LGBTQ community is divided based on key issues such as marriage equality, but the MGLCC works very hard to meet the needs of everyone in the community and attempts to bridge together the different viewpoints and experiences that are presented. One of the best examples of this is their community forum that will allow people in the Memphis to speak out and decide which key LGBT issue to focus on next, some candidates being LGBT immigration rights, increased legal rights for trans* people, and LGBTQ rights in the workplace. I am proud to be a part of an organization that prioritizes the sharing of viewpoints and the respect of people from all walks of life, not just the most privileged or advantaged. Most importantly, the MGLCC has challenged my idea of a monolithic LGBTQ community and has given me a more diverse and varied idea of what LGBTQ people value.
Allison, you brought up many key points! In my opinion, the two most important points were, first, the fact that the SCOTUS Marriage Equality ruling has not solved all the issues in the LGBTQ communities. I feel that often times people see a major ruling go in favor for the particular population and assume that it is all well and good, but in reality there are still many inequalities. That is important to remember, so I'm glad you identified that. Second, you mentioned that within the LGBTQ there are many conflicting views. Also a great point. I feel that people tend to group "minorities" or specific communities together with the assumption that they are all fighting for the same things and want the exact same outcomes. This is very wrong. There are many diverse and unique areas within the umbrella of LGBTQ. You did a great job identifying these points. Keep up the good work! I hope things settle down a little so you can relax and enjoy the last few weeks of SSF!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you wrote about this topic! I've been seeing a lot of backlash lately from LGBTQ advocates actually criticizing the marriage ruling, because of the things that you brought up. I found it interesting, and it was something that I really didn't think much about. However, I do find this criticism slightly unsettling; while of course we should strive for more, why can't we celebrate the victories that have been made? Certainly, the ruling brought about a lot of long-needed rights for LGBTQ community members. It reminds me of the saying, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good."
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this post! Many of the points you raised can be translated into broader generalizations made about all minority groups--that they are undivided and should be treated as such. I myself have been focused on the SCOTUS verdict from the privileged view I am hesitant to admit. There are rumors that MS will stop giving marriage licences altogether, and thus I have been solely focused on the conservative reaction to the ruling. I never suspected the divide between the LGBTQ community in regards to race and class. However, intersectionality exists in all fields, so it should come as no surprise that white, middle class LGBTQ community members hold a certain power and privilege. I am glad you chose to advocate for all sides of the LGTBQ community and to expose us to this very real sectionality!
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