LGBTQ and Straight Cultures

LGBTQ issues and straight values have had longstanding animosity towards one another. Queer culture has always been pushed to the background, where the overarching majority who “fit in” rake in the benefits. But, who really “fits in” the American mold? That’s it, nobody does. We are taught to “value conformity over creativity” and unconsciously follow a model citizen mindset. (Agarwal 2023) This mindset undoubtably places value on being straight and acting in certain ways, while also disregarding personal identity for societal acceptance. But why do we stifle unconventional thinking and individuality? Because it’s harder to control. The American way is powered through a top-down distribution, creating concentration at the top and less as we go down. This dynamic of power makes it easier to control people and erase culture entirely. This is why much of the LGBTQ hides identity and hold their tongue in open contention, as they have no power and no legislation to stand on. It is important to see the fundamental similarities and goals shared by both communities, as commonality is higher than we believe. All of us face insecurities and are constantly pressured to conform, but if straight people distance themselves from this conformity, acceptance and autonomy will follow.

For decades, the Queer community waged a long struggle to create culture that embraces everyone. Pride and pride month stand as an important celebration of this culture and provide a secure sense of community for many. “Recently as of 2011, a person perceived as a man wearing women’s clothing could technically be arrested in New York state “impersonating a female.” (Marusic 2019) therefore, the significance of pride events and affirming queer identity cannot be understated. Queer culture has embraced many outsiders of the LGBTQ as well, and Groups that advocate for social justice often march in Pride parades. Historically, women, black people, the disabled, and even environmental advocates have been voices for LGBTQ change while dismantling the nuclear family dynamic. In many cases, these people’s way of life were opposed in similar ways, which created common ground. What’s very apparent is that ideas imposed by “straight culture” continue to be heavily rooted in regressive and gendered philosophies. This is why they hate pride. It celebrates differences and goes against societal norms. Pride and Pride month have created waves of backlash in media and news cycles alike, despite this being a celebration meant to bring people together. Representations of “pride” and outward cultural visibility have been seen as a strictly LGBTQ, but we seem to forget, pride is used cross cultures and is exclusively a celebration gathering people of similar backgrounds. There are a variety of celebrations which could add  “Pride” to the end of it, and no one would bat an eye; however, the queer communities version gets stigmatized and faces hostility every time.

When we talk about “gay culture”, and pride parades, we must talk about the opposing side as well, Straight culture. Straight people were the ones to define stereotypes of queerness and perpetuate hate based on personal characteristics, so it’s only reasonable to question what straight identity truly entails. Most observable straight culture we see, like music taste and career choice, is more based on age and class than sexual preferences. It’s hard to classify, but we can say that much of straight culture is defined by “Model citizen programming”, a societal construct followed by the majority, solely due to their conformity of an idealized standard. “Academics over the years have tried to show just how weird it sounds to discuss heterosexuality in the way we discuss queerness”. (Hall 2019) participants were given questions like “is it possible that it is just a phase you may grow out of?’ and ‘isn’t it possible that all you need is a good gay lover?’ The aim was to outline to straight audiences how frustrating is to feel like a curiosity” in the eyes of another. The “straight” community were the ones to create standards of living, which,  they themselves can’t live up to. Having a parade celebrating “straight pride” almost seems like bragging, and proposes the idea straight people were persecuted by gays.  It really seems they’ll do “just anything that will generate some electricity, some sparks, and some negativity.” (lang 2019) so it’s no surprise to see these events pop up. However, “its funny to see that they have unintentionally shown the flimsiness of ‘straight culture’ as a concept ”(Hall 2019).  There is no systematic oppression that straight people underwent, so justifying a parade and month of celebration is baseless. Overall straight culture and identity is defined by rigid ideas that society deems as “normal”. pride is directly used to outwardly oppose this straight culture and  “add dimension where, intolerance, at times, seems to be part of a civic duty.” (Ghaziani 2014)

Despite differences in opinions and values, both queer and straight individuals, share common desires for acceptance within their respective communities. While they may be different in individual behavior and overall interest, they share commonality when it comes to morals and values. Marriage, as an example, holds significance in both communities, yet queer individuals’ idea of marriage is constructed through a “heteronormative” lens. Why is this? because language hasn’t been used to describe queer marriages and families, so we use the most congruent words. Trying to categorize one or the other ties into a wider issue however: that cultural analysis generally leans on stereotypes. this in mind we can say that ‘both cultures’ are defined through privilege. Bundled with “the sense that your identity is valid enough to escape interrogation, or persecution.” (Hall 2019). In fewer words, you try fitting larger categories that are “liked” to avoid ridicule.

Overall straight culture is dying as the acceptance of others expands. Our vocabulary and understanding of gender and sex-based science is higher than ever, and we have begun the dismantling of “either or” thinking. “Society increasingly accepts that gender and sexuality exist on spectrums, and that groupings are messier and more complex ( hall 2019) We forget that the overwhelming population of queer individuals share many values with that of the opposing side and solely want similar standards of living. They are just fighting for existence and protection against bigotry not to have a parade. Now more than ever Less young people identify as straight and other lines are being blurred. A recent graphic expanded LGBTQ to LGBTQQIIAP to include ‘allies’, so now even straight people are acknowledged in the community. Gradually we are unpicking gender and sexuality completely and removing the model citizen mindset, so standards of living increase for all.

CNN, Kristina Marusic. “Anatomy of a Pride Parade.” CNN, www.cnn.com/travel/article/pride-parades-history/index.html.

“Pride Month 2023: Origins, Parades & Dates.” HISTORY, 8 May 2023, www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/pride-month.

(Alexander Kacala) 2020 “How Hollywood Heartthrobs and Steven Spielberg Helped Make a Drag Queen Cult Classic.” TODAY.com, www.today.com/popculture/how-steven-spielberg-made-film-wong-foo-cult-classic-t190808.

Dazed. “What Is Straight Culture?” Dazed, 4 July 2019, www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/45136/1/what-is-straight-culture-maroon-5-the-norm. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.