Stump 1

Jordyn Stump
Dr. Parker
Feminist Visions of Justice
12-5-2015
Cohen Critical Summary
In Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer Politics?
Cathy Cohen attempts to explain queer politics and the difficulties that come along with it.
Cohen mentions that queer politics has often been built around a simple dichotomy between
those deemed queer and those deemed heterosexual, which makes it difficult for many people to
count it as anything but a sexuality issue (538). Heterosexual privilege is a prominent oppressor
of queer people, but Cohen reminds readers that it is not the only one. Racism, sexism, classism,
and ableism, among others, enact just as much systematic prejudice. Queer politics is often
labeled as a radical movement, as queer individuals do not seek to integrate or assimilate into
dominant institutions and normative social relationships (540). Rather, advocates seek to
overturn the current oppressive institutions and create an entirely new societal order. Cohen
finished her argument by stating that the queer movement must acknowledge that there are
multiple systems of oppression in operation (548). Heterosexual normativity is one hurdle to
clear, but there are still many others to overcome as well.
Before reading this article, I have to admit that anytime I heard the word queer, my
mind would automatically think of the gay and lesbian communities. Therefore, after finishing
this reading, my understanding was challenged and I was quite confused about what queer
politics actually is. It wasnt until my classmates student teaching presentation, and the
discussion that followed, that I was able to understand it more fully. While the word queer can
certainly still apply to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, it also applies more generally to
anyone who is simply different from the norm. I never considered myself queer before, but due
to my gender, sex, and even the hand I write with, I most certainly am. As was mentioned in
class, anyone who is not a white, middle-class, straight, Christian male is queer. This blew my
mind, while simultaneously making perfect sense. Just the word queer can be so polarizing and
controversial, and I think thats due to societys narrow explanation of it. If more people
understood what it truly meant, and that they are most likely queer in many ways too, I think the
movement would have more support.
Our discussion about the broadness of queer politics also fascinated me. Queer politics is
an inherently intersectional topic, as it encompasses sexuality, race, religion, sex, economic
standing, and physical and mental ability, among numerous other factors. Cohen referenced this
intersectionality by writing: Being queer means fighting about these issues all the time (540).
Due to the extensiveness of queer politics, it is difficult to know which issues to start with and
what tangible actions to take. Do you focus on race or gender equality first? Do you advocate for
LGBTQ+ rights or the rights of people living in poverty? Is it even possible to separate any of
these identities? While these questions are nearly impossible to answer, I think intersectionality
is also a benefit for the queer politics movement. Knowing that I am queer makes me more
committed to the cause. If more people realized how queer they are, I think the topic could
become less taboo and the movement would gain an invested following.

Stump 2
Works Cited
Cohen, Cathy J. Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer
Politics? Feminist Frontiers. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 536-551. Print.