Still Here, Still Queer: Queer Identity Formation in Contemporary Social Movements

• In Event: 420 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Paper Session. Gender, Sexualities and Emerging Social Movements (co-sponsored with the LGBTQ Caucus)

Abstract

Social movement scholars have examined a key tension between essentializing and constructionist views of identity politics noting both opportunities and challenges for movements centered on gender and sexuality. Historically, people of color and queer actors have challenged the essential nature of collective identities and argued that identity can function to reinforce cultural sources of oppression. Over time however, identity based movements have become the quintessential form through which gender and sexual minorities have successfully gained rights. Building on this historical paradox, this study examines identity construction in a contemporary queer social movement group. I discuss how this group navigates identity politics by identifying their new queering of identity: an ideology of gender and sexual self-sovereignty and being one’s “whole self.” I argue that their new version of identity formation creates opportunities to build intersectional collective action that have historically led to essentialized categories or the total deconstruction of identity.

Author

• Sarah M Steele, University of Illinois, Chicago