Discussing intersectionality is acknowledging that everyone has categorical layers to their identity. Kimberlé Crenshaw, a UCLA law professor coined the term “intersectionality,” and defines it as, “a lens through which you can see where power comes and collides, where it interlocks and intersects.”
In relation to the LGBTQIA+ community, this topic becomes quite convoluted because the matters of race, gender and sexual orientation are always at play. Dissecting the racial aspect of this will allow community members to thrive together.
In today’s social climate, white,gay men have developed a stigma involving cultural appropriation and the erasure of their privilege. Since white men are at the top of the social hierarchy, change will start with them.
“I can’t be racist; I’m gay.” This and other painfully ignorant phrases are commonly spoken by white, queer men. I believe this mindset comes from wanting to be oppressed while trying to erase the historic damage that’s been done to other marginalized groups. These men seem to think having an aspect of intersectionality absolves them of their privilege as white men.
No one is fully privileged or oppressed. This factor makes the discrimination within the LGBTQIA+ community very difficult to navigate. For white, queer people, yes there’s oppression in place, but their white privilege will always surpass that, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc.
Racism and misogyny within this community have existed for a long time. For example, the ballroom and drag subculture gained popularity in the 1920s in New York City, with shows consisting of cross dressing, expressive makeup and vibrant music.
While this sounds like a welcoming environment, it was quite the opposite. Black and brown performers were hardly ever allowed to participate alongside their white male counterparts. As a result, those who weren’t able to express themselves flocked to create their own version of the art.
As the new version gained popularity, the original lost its touch. Decades later, ballroom culture and drag competitions have made quite the splash in mainstream media. Beyonce’s Renaissance album and RuPaul’s Drag Race have brought the artform to millions of viewers across the world. The people of color who were ostracized are now the figureheads of a subculture and art form.
In recent years, white, gay men have made a return to ballroom culture in a way that includes everyone. While it should be known that ballroom and drag is an art for everyone, it’s ironic that the oppressor is now joining the oppressed.
While the Black and brown people within the community had to hide their identities in shame, white, gay men were and still are able to walk around with little to no repercussions. This is just one of several privileges that white men have within the community.
Balancing race, gender and sexual orientation is extremely difficult, and whether it’s intentional or not, white, queer men need to change their behavior in order to have a true community. This behavior creates the rift between white, gay men and queer people of color exists.
As a short-term solution, education on this issue and accountability is imperative, along with community-wide effort. White supremacy is deeply rooted in this country and reaches far beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
Queer, white men’s behavior will not get any better unless the systems in place change.
Jemiah Clemons is a 19-year-old kinesiology sophomore from Miami, Florida.
