Chapter 41 Summary

Chapter 41, The Limitations of the Discourse of Norms: Gay Visibility and Degrees of Transgression, by Jay Clarkson analyzes the functions of gay visibility and the role of gender performance in the understanding of sexuality. The chapter comments on two different views of this idea. The two conflicting views come from StraightActing.com, an Internet discussion board for self-identified straight-acting gay men. Some of the gay men from this site argue that "transgressive gender performance, not just same-sex desire, is the root of antigay attitudes" (Clarkson 392).  They believe that homophobia comes from the fear of gender performances rather than same-sex attraction. I believe that gay men, either quietly gay or flamboyant, should take pride in their sexual identity in order for society to recognize the diversity of gay identities. I also believe this will allow society to become more accepting of the LGBTQ culture. The media tends to only show the flamboyant gays as a form of comedy which creates stereotypes for homosexuality and makes it seem like all gay men are this way. If the media were to alter this, I believe the gay community would experience less discrimination and have more rights. In addition, the article makes the point that not all gay people are allies. I agree with this statement because it does not matter what someone's sexual identity is in order for them to have friends of a differing sexual identity.
The first person's opinion on gay visibility from StraightActing.com suggests that gay visibility would improve in quality if gay pride parades were abolished and gay men implemented a strategy of "quietly gay." He believes that these gay pride events and parades are toxic and create hate crimes. He further explains that this quietly gay movement would demonstrate normal men living normal lives. An example of a quietly gay event was when gay couples were standing in line waiting to receive their marriage licenses. This "quiet" event allows the community to reflect on the homosexual culture but does not aggressively rub it in their faces. On the other hand, a challenger to this debate argues that pride has won the gay community more rights, less discrimination, and less fears. This side of the debate rests on the idea that increased visibility results in increased power in the form of acceptance and civil rights. He does not believe that gay men should be quiet when they do not want to. In conclusion, I believe a mixture of these two kinds of events to gain exposure will have rewarding outcomes for the homosexual people.