‘—

Christin Rosado WGS 100 Cathy Cohen Response

In Cathy J. Cohens piece Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens she discusses the ways in which the radical potential of queer activism has been inhibited. The major point that Cohen believes inhibits queer activism is there inability to focus on trying to transform the very systems that dominate them (Cohen, 1997). Many queer activists have devoted much of their time focusing on how heterosexuality is normalized and homosexuality is ostracized but they forget that the domination of the state affects both. I believe that Cohen believes that once activists realize that many people with different identities experience similar oppression from the state the sooner they will begin to change politics. It should not be homosexuals against heterosexuals but people who experience various forms of discrimination working together to correct all the flaws in politics that oppress them all.

The main goal of the queer activists is to put an end to discrimination and oppression faced by many homosexuals. However, focusing just on eradicating the oppression of homosexuals does not stop the multiple ways in which the state dominates its citizens. Even within homosexual groups there is discrimination that deals with race, class, etc (Cohen, 1997). I believe that the closemindedness of the activists is their major downfall. Regardless if you win the right for homosexuality to be “normalized” in the eyes of the state, what makes them think that discrimination amongst them will not exist. I believe that this is also a thought shared by Cathy J. Cohen. A certain gender, class, and race of homosexuals may very well have more privilege’s than other homosexuals within their group which will continue to keep the door for oppression open. Both Cohen and I believe that one issue should not only be targeted for adjustment but all forms should be targeted and activists should aim to change the laws and ideas the state aims to reinforce. Once those oppressive ways are changed the laws can then be structured to steer clear of dominating others and ostracizing certain people.

Cohen, C. J. (1997). Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens. Overseas
Association.