“Something Kind of Revolutionary”: Resisting Normalizing Logics as Radical Praxis in LGBTQ Youth Advocacy

Abstract

Queer theory, women of color feminism, and queer of color critique demand the de-naturalization of gender and sexual norms through intersectional strategies. This demand requires a critique of normalizing logics, which reproduce power by including and normalizing some without attempting to disrupt what is considered acceptable, or the conditions that produce vulnerability and exclusion. Therefore, appeals to identity-based inclusion and equality obfuscates normalizing structures, leaving power and social domination unchallenged. Little research has addressed how advocates to LGBTQ youth understand their roles and theorize change in light of these theoretical challenges. Through ten in-depth interviews with people who work with and/or advocate for LGBTQ youth, this research project sought to understand what norms and ideologies inform advocates’ visions for change. Findings suggested that advocates took up normalizing logics in their work to (1) provide information and education, (2) build relationships with allies, and (3) pursue policy change. However, their strategies, goals, and approaches simultaneously resisted normalizing logics because they sought to cultivate: (1) intersectional resistance (Spade, 2013) by re-framing problems away from individual bias and towards the conditions that produce vulnerability and insecurity for young people, and (2) open normativities (Shotwell, 2012) by insisting that fluidity, curiosity, questioning and not knowing were essential values to uphold. The implications of building radical praxis are discussed in relation to the dual roles that many advocates straddle: providing services to LGBTQ-identified youth and working for sexual and gender justice in their communities.