Cathy Cohen And Dean Spade: The Elements Of Queer Politics

Alicia Serrano Dr. Ellison GWS 210G 10 April 2024 The Elements of a Queer Politic In modern society, an abundant discourse on queer activism and politics may lead an individual to consider the distinct purpose and meaning of a queer politic. When trying to understand what makes a political queer, it is important to consider the specific elements within a queer politic. Exhibited through the work of Cathy Cohen and Dean Spade, a queer politic emerges by disrupting heteronormativity, aiming to dismantle the systems of power that perpetually marginalize queer individuals, and considering intersectionality. Cathy Cohen’s article“Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare-Queens” includes her philosophy that queer politics has an opportunity for growth through the

When analyzed correctly, the texts provided by these scholars may offer an excellent insight into the elements of queer politics. One important factor within queer politics is the goal of disrupting social norms and heteronormativity. Many individuals, such as Cathy Cohen and Dean Spade, believe that in order to create an impact, queer politics need to refrain from striving for acceptance and integration within the larger majority. Instead, they support the disruption of social norms and expectations. For example, Cathy Cohen states, “Thus, if there is any truly radical potential to be found in the idea of queerness and the practice of queer politics, it would seem to be located in its ability to create a space in opposition to dominant norms, a space where transformational political work can begin” (Cohen 438). Cohen expresses the idea that to make queer politics or queer activism effective, it needs to surpass assimilation and disrupt the underlying systems of suppression and current societal