Clash of Ideologies
from the Editor
With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution nearly three centuries ago, global politics began to undergo a grand realignment which would eventually transform our world. Now, thanks to an ongoing Information Revolution, it is happening again. Trends like globalization and automation are inevitably driving the kinds of fundamental change that reactionaries simply cannot stop; old alliances are breaking down, political parties are dramatically reworking their platforms, and individual voters who remain committed to core values they once took for granted are left wondering where they fit in. Every aspect of society has been impacted, and the LGBT movement is no exception. I conceived of this issue as one attempt to help people make sense of the new landscape. Specifically, I hoped to shed some light on the question: where do those of us who believe in sexual and romantic liberty fit into these new coalitions? Must we choose between two emergent extremes, both hostile in their own ways to individual freedom, or can we forge a path that remains compatible with the values upon which queer rights depend? In this edition of QM, each entry addresses this subject in a distinct way.
It’s important to offer a positive vision as an alternative to toxic division. For that reason, we chose lifelong progressive activist Peter Tatchell’s piece “Sex Beyond Labels" as our cover story. Peter’s bona fides on the left are undeniable. Never one to shrink from controversy, his decades of in-your-face advocacy are the opposite of safe respectability politics. Yet, as his inspiring article demonstrates, his radical actions have always been informed by noble motives. Peter argues that solidifying progress on LGBT rights means we must ultimately move beyond divisive identity politics and the tribalism they foster. He offers a hopeful vision of a future in which we care less about our differences – or the labels that describe them – and instead, we enjoy mutual freedom based on our shared humanity. Far from postulating some far-fetched utopian dream, Peter shows with compelling evidence that such a future is not only possible, but it is already partially here.
Of course, we cannot take progress for granted or leave it up to “the Fates”. We must be tireless in advocating for human rights and forever vigilant in defending them. On that, we should agree. The problem facing us, however, is that there are multiple competing approaches to this, some of which are bound to be more effective than others. Should LGBT people embrace the tactics and goals currently favored by the most hardcore activists among us, no matter how toxic and divisive, or should we double down on the basic liberal principles that have worked thus far in the hope we can spread them further? That struggle is where the Clash of Ideologies presents challenges – but it also presents opportunities.
Our writers each offer their own unique perspectives on this dilemma. Blaize Stewart goes right to the heart of the issue with his moving essay “Liberal Social Justice, Critical Social Justice, and the Nuclear Family”; as does Jamie Paul with his contribution: “The In-Between: Equity and Equality”. Kelsey Carlson shares her concerns about workplace trends that emphasize “Pronouns”. M. Christian explains how queer rights even benefit cis straight men like himself in “Family of Infinites”. Journalist Jamie van Dijk expresses frustration with the hypocrisy of colleagues in “Je Suis Non-Binary: Coming Out in Support of Free Speech”; and sociologist Eric Anderson takes on Faux Feminism in Denying Positive Masculinities. Our regular columnists Zachary Zane and Talia Squires each offer their takes: “Zach and the City: How Can You Be Inclusive When You’re an Exclusive Sex Club” and “My Body and Other Adventures: Polygamists and Polyamorists”. I too share “My ‘Lived Experience’ with the Cult of ‘Social Justice’”.
Our Series entries similarly reflect the Clash of Ideologies. Rebecca Davey explores a contemporary artist whose recent work illuminates the philosophy of John Stuart Mill in her first foray into our Artist Feature: “Visualizing Liberty with David Cicirelli”. Karthik Aithal illustrates the first-person stories of four men whose lives exemplify the tensions inherent in the conflict: philosopher Peter Boghosian recounts how he was run out of academia for daring to speak up against censorship; psychologist Michael Bailey explains why his work is under assault by “activists” who hold anti-scientific beliefs; and journalist Glenn Greenwald and politician David Miranda offer a window into their lives as a controversial power couple. Three new Business of Sex entries and another poetry commission round out the issue.
It is my sincere hope that these collected articles inspire reflection and productive action among our influential readers. We share a moral obligation to work together for the spread and preservation of human rights around the world. This requires a narrative that centers the building up and maintenance of liberty for everyone (LGBT or otherwise), not one that perpetuates endless discord between splintered factions and fosters destructive conflict as a result. In short, I believe we should be focused on preserving LGBT rights at home and on spreading them abroad - not on undermining the systems that made them possible and opposing their spread. A beautiful future is not only possible but is upon us, if we can just learn to get out of our own way.
About the Editor
Published Jan 5, 2022
Published in Issue X: Clash of Ideologies