Li Yinhe talks about sex

Chapter 43 Queer Theory
The concept of "queer" refers to all non-normalized expressions in the culture.This category includes both gay, lesbian, and bisexual positions, as well as all other potentially non-classifiable abnormal positions.

Queer theory is a new sexual theory that emerged in the West in the 20s.Over the past few years, a new term "queer" has grown out of gay, lesbian and bisexual politics and theory.Queer theory is now a theory well known and beloved by activists and academics in sexual politics.

"Queer" is a transliteration. It was originally a derogatory term for homosexuals in mainstream Western culture, meaning "weird". It was later borrowed by sexual radicals to summarize their theories, which is not without irony.I originally wanted to translate it with words like "strange" or "different", but this translation is too literal and seems to lose the irony of the word.Since it is difficult to find the corresponding Chinese vocabulary that expresses irony to translate, so the transliteration of the word "queer" from Hong Kong and Taiwan is simply used.

Queer theory does not refer to a specific theory, but a synthesis of various interdisciplinary theories, which come from history, sociology, literature and other disciplines.Queer theory is a position outside the mainstream culture: these people and their theories cannot find their place in the mainstream culture, nor are they willing to find a place for themselves in the mainstream culture. The concept of "queer" as a designation of a social group includes all people whose sexual orientation does not conform to mainstream culture and dominant social gender norms or sexual norms.Queer theory is the theory of these people. The concept of "queer" refers to all abnormal expressions in the culture.This category includes both gay, lesbian, and bisexual positions, as well as all other potentially non-classifiable abnormal positions.

What are the main ideas and propositions of queer theory?The first important content of queer theory is to challenge the dichotomy of heterosexuality and homosexuality, and to challenge the "normality" of society.The so-called normality mainly refers to the heterosexual system and heterosexual hegemony, and also includes the point of view that only regards sexual relations within marriage and sexual behaviors for the purpose of reproduction as normal and normative sexual relations and sexual behaviors.For academics and liberation activists, to define themselves as "queer" is to challenge all normality, and their critical edge is directed at heterosexual hegemony.

The second important content of queer theory is to challenge the dichotomous structure of male and female, and to challenge all strict classifications. Its main target of criticism is the Western dominant way of thinking, that is, the dichotomous way of thinking.Some thinkers refer to this dichotomous way of thinking as a "divided prison" and believe that it is a prison that suppresses people's free choice.

Third, queer theory is still a challenge to traditional gay culture.Queer theory and queer politics herald a new sexual culture, which is sexual, sexy, and quite subversive. It not only subverts the hegemony of heterosexuality, but also subverts the previous homosexual orthodoxy.Queer theory offers a way of expressing desire that will radically shatter gender and sexual identities, both straight and gay.

Fourth, queer theory is of great strategic importance, and its emergence creates a dynamic in which all marginalized groups can unite for common action.Fuer theory believes that democratic principles apply equally to the development of the individual and character.Queer politics builds a political coalition that includes bisexuals, straights, lesbians, and gays, and anyone who rejects the dominant institutions of sex, gender, and sexuality.Queer politics accepts all who identify with this new politics, regardless of their past sexual identities, orientations, or activities.Strictly speaking, a person can neither be a homosexual nor be or not be a homosexual.But one can marginalize oneself, one can change oneself, one can be queer.

Finally, the relationship between queer theory and postmodern theory.Queer theory emerged at a time when postmodern thought was prevalent, and is inextricably linked to the latter.The philosophical background of queer theory is poststructuralist and postmodern theory.Postmodern theory is the theory that encounters the most misunderstandings, for example, it is often misunderstood as canceling all practical actions and real struggles.Because it deconstructs all "grand discourses," all classifications and identities, and thus cancels all possibility of real struggle.

Queer theory is a powerful and revolutionary theory. Its ultimate goal is to create a new pattern of interpersonal relationships and a new way of life for human beings. Its approach is to challenge all traditional values.

Queer theory is a very subversive theory.It will revolutionize the way people think, make all exclusive minorities seem narrow, and give people the weapons and power to get rid of all traditional ideas.Therefore, queer theory has strong vitality, and it heralds the dawn of the new century for us.

(End of this chapter)