Queer culture became widespread in European countries at the end of the 20th century. This term is actively applied to people of non-traditional sexual orientation. In a broader sense, this describes any non-traditional relationship in a variety of areas. At the same time, the definition itself is very controversial.
Defining Queer
The term queer culture is actively used to describe any non-standard model of identity and behavior. In fact, this is both a political statement against dullness and routine, and a rejection of traditional values.
The very word "queer" comes from English jargon. There it means an obscene name for gays. In a narrower sense, not only representatives of the LGBT community are described in this way, but also people of habitual sexual preferences, who at the same time demonstrate any non-standard preferences. For example, we are talking about BDSM or romantic relationships with several partners at the same time.
However, queer culture also has social connotations: often used by people who use traditional gender identities, rejecting the usual classification of sexual communities.
In its historical meaning, this concept means"outside the normative society". The meaning of this term is very vague. Those who consider themselves to be in a queer culture tend to avoid any rigid framework, to go beyond social stereotypes.
Queer in Russia
In Russia, the concept of queer has penetrated various sciences. For example, in sociology and philosophy. But even so, its meaning is very vague.
For example, in a narrow sense, these industries understand people who practice non-traditional relationships. For example, swing or BDSM, as well as adherents of same-sex sexual relations.
In a broader sense, this is the name of any person whose behavior does not correspond to generally accepted canons. The concept of queer identity applies to autistic, hearing-impaired, or blind people.
What is queer?
People who differ from those around them by some of their "otherness" consider themselves to be a single group or social class. There is now an entire culture that deals with the issues and concerns of the queer community. Moreover, this is a fairly young movement.
One of the first countries where it began to develop was Italy. There has been a movement in support of this direction.
It turns out that queer is also a culture that is based on three main concepts. It is sexual identity, gender identity, and norms and ways out of them.
Who needs it?
From this article you will learn the whole essence of queer, to whom andwhy is it needed. It is worth recognizing that this direction has the greatest popularity among young people, who are always attracted by "otherness", uniqueness.
This fashion trend is actively developing in Russia these days. Many in our country are striving to keep up with the rest of the world, where queer is already the order of the day.
So, for several years now, an international festival called "QueerFest" has been held in St. Petersburg. It is designed to protect the rights of minorities, which today are often infringed upon in modern society. Supporters of this culture call for the development of tolerance, as well as an uncompromising fight against homophobia, as well as other types of intolerance.
QueerFest
International Queer Culture Festival is always held in the Northern Capital. It is based on a concept that, at first glance, seems to be as simple and relevant as possible for our country. She encourages everyone, without exception, to do only what they really want. Only then will it be possible to understand what kind of person you really are, to understand what you want and what you are worth.
As conceived by the organizers, this festival should help people decide who they really are, and not who they are trying to appear in society. All this is already becoming a rare form of art in modern Russia. Thanks to the queer festival, visitors have a unique opportunity to discover the amazing inner space of artists and writers.
The main thing forwhat the founders of this festival are doing is to give every person the opportunity to express themselves. The main slogan of the festival is the art of being yourself. The program includes many events that everyone can attend. They are attended by domestic and foreign poets, musicians, writers, photographers, actors, dancers, creative people of various professions. Discussions and seminars are held on the most relevant topics.
This festival is a very new format for the cultural life of the Northern capital. Its holding was initially initiated by human rights organizations in St. Petersburg, as well as the local LGBT community. Today it is supported by many other public associations.
This project considers its key task to be the formation of a common art space that will categorically oppose violence, as well as gender stereotypes dictated from outside.
The work of the organizers is aimed at the development of cultural and social activities. There is a constant active exchange of experience between Russian and various international communities of various kinds. Experts in the field of science, culture and art regularly take part in the festival.
Queer Theory
In order to understand this concept, you need to understand what queer theory is. It helps to analyze the nature of gender. It was formed at the beginning of the 20th century. It is based on the writings of the philosopher and writer Michel Foucault.
Bin particular, he argued that sexual orientation is, to a greater extent, imposed on the individual by his upbringing, and not by biological sex, which plays a much smaller role in this.
Over time, the theory gained academic acceptance. Its key feature is that it absolutely denies and does not recognize identity. The thing is, when people embrace queer, they reject the fact that they fit into the mold they are used to.
As in any ideology, radical groups and activists have also appeared here. At present, in modern society it is extremely fashionable to talk about one's dissimilarity to others, uniqueness.
Relations with feminism
Often, this ideology made attempts to interact with other theories, as well as analytical practices. For example, in the 80s and 90s of the 20th century, two seemingly contradictory concepts were combined, resulting in a new definition - queer feminism.
Within its framework, the struggle for women's rights and freedoms was equated with men's rights. And all this together was opposed to the ideology of total otherness. Thus, an orientation aimed at going beyond the generally accepted behavior was obtained.
With this ideology, people cannot be called equal. But at the same time, these concepts have much in common - both reject discrimination. And they are also moving away from social labels and hackneyed stereotypes.
Relationship concept
Supporters of this culture are sure that whena person is finally determined with his orientation, this allows him to find his way in love. And then join existing groups that, like him, actively practice non-traditional relationships, queer sexuality.
It can be a variety of communities. For example, bisexuals, swingers, lesbians, gays, asexual people. The most important thing is that it is forbidden to impose your point of view on anyone.
Queer is a term that is perfect for self-realization. Its supporters advocate a future in which everyone will act only in accordance with their desires, will be free to be what they have dreamed of becoming all their lives. Such a society advocates the rejection of gender stereotypes. And if we begin to develop this theory in the appropriate direction, then behind non-identity and "otherness" is the future of the whole world.
