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Queer Liberalism and the Racialization of Intimacy

Harvey Hughes

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Published in The Feeling Of Kinship: Queer Liberalism And The Racialization Of Intimacy

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The Feeling of Kinship: Queer Liberalism and the Racialization of Intimacy

by David L. Eng

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	327 pages

In recent years, there has been a growing body of scholarship that has explored the relationship between queer liberalism and the racialization of intimacy. This scholarship has argued that queer liberalism has both enabled and constrained the recognition and rights of same-sex relationships, and that it has often been complicit in the racialization of intimacy, privileging white, middle-class same-sex relationships while marginalizing those of people of color.

This article builds on this scholarship by exploring the complex relationship between queer liberalism and the racialization of intimacy. Through a critical analysis of legal and cultural texts, the article argues that queer liberalism has often been complicit in the racialization of intimacy, privileging white, middle-class same-sex relationships while marginalizing those of people of color. The article concludes by calling for a more intersectional understanding of queer politics that recognizes the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersect to shape the experiences of same-sex relationships.

Queer Liberalism and the Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships

Queer liberalism has played a significant role in the recognition and rights of same-sex relationships. In the United States, for example, the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This decision was a major victory for queer activists and advocates, and it represented a significant step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

However, the recognition of same-sex relationships under queer liberalism has not been without its limitations. Critics have argued that queer liberalism has often been too narrowly focused on the rights of white, middle-class same-sex couples, and that it has failed to adequately address the needs of people of color, transgender people, and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Racialization of Intimacy

The racialization of intimacy refers to the ways in which race and ethnicity shape the experiences of same-sex relationships. This racialization can occur in a variety of ways, including through the legal system, the media, and popular culture.

In the legal system, the racialization of intimacy can be seen in the ways in which same-sex relationships have been treated differently from opposite-sex relationships. For example, until recently, many states did not recognize same-sex marriages, and same-sex couples were often denied the same legal protections as opposite-sex couples.

In the media, the racialization of intimacy can be seen in the ways in which same-sex relationships are often portrayed as being white and middle-class. This portrayal can contribute to the erasure of the experiences of people of color and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

In popular culture, the racialization of intimacy can be seen in the ways in which same-sex relationships are often depicted as being exotic or taboo. This depiction can contribute to the stigma that still surrounds same-sex relationships and can make it difficult for people of color and other marginalized groups to feel comfortable and accepted in their relationships.

Queer Liberalism and the Racialization of Intimacy

Queer liberalism has often been complicit in the racialization of intimacy. This complicity can be seen in the ways in which queer liberalism has often privileged white, middle-class same-sex relationships while marginalizing those of people of color. For example, queer liberal organizations have often focused on the fight for marriage equality, which has primarily benefited white, middle-class same-sex couples. These organizations have often failed to address the needs of people of color, transgender people, and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

The racialization of intimacy under queer liberalism has had a number of negative consequences. For example, it has contributed to the erasure of the experiences of people of color and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. It has also made it more difficult for people of color and other marginalized groups to feel comfortable and accepted in their relationships.

Towards a More Intersectional Queer Politics

In order to address the limitations of queer liberalism, it is necessary to develop a more intersectional understanding of queer politics. This understanding would recognize the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersect to shape the experiences of same-sex relationships.

An intersectional queer politics would focus on the needs of all LGBTQ+ people, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. It would challenge the racialization of intimacy and would work to create a more inclusive and just society for all.

Queer liberalism has played a significant role in the recognition and rights of same-sex relationships. However, queer liberalism has also been complicit in the racialization of intimacy, privileging white, middle-class same-sex relationships while marginalizing those of people of color. In order to address the limitations of queer liberalism, it is necessary to develop a more intersectional understanding of queer politics that recognizes the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersect to shape the experiences of same-sex relationships.

The Feeling of Kinship: Queer Liberalism and the Racialization of Intimacy

by David L. Eng

5 out of 5