IN RESPONSE TO ZANE
Zane, you need to also think about the queers who voted yes on prop. 8. Historically, marriage has just been another institution that "normalizes, legitimizes, and privileges." (see: Cathy Cohen. In her piece she is talking about dominant power itself, but the verbs can be used to talk about marriage too, I think). Little over a century ago, straight blacks were not even aloud to marry. In '76 (I think- too lazy to look it up right now-) straight blacks could legally marry straight whites. See the problem with categories? See the problem with marriage? It is always going to be a hetero-normative institution by the very nature of its existence in the magnificent hierarchy of human interaction. Shouldn't all relationships be legitimate without needing the government to say so? The idea is,
"why should I incorporate and assimilate to a system that caused me/my identity to be marginalized in the first place?"
Am I saying that everyone should boycott marriage always? Maybe. Is there a better way? I don't know. I don't know how to fight the power. The radical transformation that Cohen talks about could only really happen by a boycott of the entire economic system (though she does not admit it). I'm still working through all this shit but let me know what you think.
"why should I incorporate and assimilate to a system that caused me/my identity to be marginalized in the first place?"
Am I saying that everyone should boycott marriage always? Maybe. Is there a better way? I don't know. I don't know how to fight the power. The radical transformation that Cohen talks about could only really happen by a boycott of the entire economic system (though she does not admit it). I'm still working through all this shit but let me know what you think.