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Melanie Arias and Fleta Selimaj Cohen Assignment

1. In the piece Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens by Cathy J. Cohens, she goes on to explain how the development of queer activism is hindered by heterosexual normality in society. The exclusion of homosexual sexual orientation in society incapacitates the movement for awareness of the control over the state by heterosexuality. It is evident that the more these identities are oppressed the more likely these activists will feel inclined to push for political change. In order for that change to happen, there has to be a togetherness of people who can relate to that discrimination so that they can put an end to the battle between heterosexual and homosexual individuals. The focus for queer activists is to stop these forms of discrimination and oppression, but this may not be enough, as it is important to also work on changing how the state takes control over the individuals. Another issue is this that some groups may be favored, or generally less oppressed, than others. Based on race, class, or gender, they may have more advantages than others. Unfortunately, this allows oppression to continue and does not give those oppressed groups a chance to be fully accepted in society. In order to make these changes, activists should aim for more than just acceptance. It is important to create change that pushes boundaries and surpasses mindsets so that the laws and politics of society can adjust as well. Once these laws are in place, oppressed groups will be able to have a true voice and place in society. . In today’s society it’s actually a realistic for change to occur in queer activism but it has to start with the government leaders, celebrities, and social activist to spark an interest in the public about queer politics; overall Cohen believes that change can be achieved through enacting new laws that directly approach problems in the queer community.