Goth is pretty queer, isn't it? Yes and no says Dunja Brill, Goth sociologist and sociologist of Goth.
Some aspects of Goth are queer and transgressive, others conformist or even reactionary. Yes, Goth is LGBTTIQQ-friendly but only partially. LGBTTIQQs remain marginalized; and the subcultures' emphasis on bisexuality skews the general attitude of tolerance by confusing women-only bisexuality with transgressiveness. Really, how out there is female bisexuality in our porn-soaked culture? How unappealing is it to the 'male gaze'? And even when it isn't ironically gynocentric, Goth bisexuality too often expresses itself as a superior form of victimhood compared to the more accepted LGTTIQQ sexualities...
The truly queer and transgressive side of Goth, according to Brill, can be found in male androgyny and female hyperfemininity. Male androgyny subverts all kinds of gender norms--except that of the intrepid male hero courageously defying an unjust society. Its resistant role is, therefore, ambiguous. Androgyny is also reserved for men while female androgyny is far less popular (Brill's conclusion here is debatable).
As for hyperfeminity, it is both threatening and empowering; and also alluring, especially to smitten Goth males. Its transgressive quality is also highly ambiguous. Brill argues that it is a challenge to 'outsiders' only. Within the Goth community, hyperfeminity tends to conform to standard gender norms: women are judged by beauty and style like everywhere else, it's just the standards are a little different.
So Goth is not inherently queer, only somewhat. How then do we queer Goth? Well, let's find out...
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