This week’s readings offer us with an insight into the struggles of the Chicano/a LBGT community. In Cherrie Moraga’s Queer Aztlan, she discusses issues of Chincano nationalism, identity, and Chicana feminism. She says that some of the greatest flaws of Chicano nationalism is institutionalized heterosexuality, inbred machismo, lack of cohesive national political strategy. She shows how women are seen as adelitas and only good for the 3 F’s. Women do not receive the respect, equality, and credit for making the Chicano movement possible.The importance lies in giving up being man and the idea of superiority that goes with being a man. In Moraga’s lecture, she introduces us with more struggles of the LBGT community. She shows that a difference exists between the women and men. Men are experiences different struggles because of their lack to reproduce in a homosexual relationship. They also deal with issues of being seen as the feminine partner and being oppressed because of patriarchy and oppression of women and femininity. A multi issue approach is needed to address the LBGT community and it’s liberation from the system of patriarchy. Carla Trujillo also touches on similar issues that Moraga does. She stresses on the importance on finding your identity and self worth outside of defining yourself with a man. A woman should not feel worthless if she is single and/or has never experienced motherhood. The needs of women have been put aside because we are seen as commodity to serve our counterpart. The traditional machismo heterosexual families sees homosexuality as a threat to family and religion. Womanhood, manhood, and the family structure need to be redefined in order to liberate the all genders and the homosexual community. We cannot continue to think that homosexuals and people that identify as different genders do not deserve the same rights and freedoms that the traditional heterosexual families and communities get.
In which ways do you think individuals (homoesexuals, women, men) that do not live traditional lives can find a way to feel worthy despite the attitudes being held against them?
I think that those who do not live traditional lives can feel worthy as long as they accept themselves. Through acceptance they will be able to find themselves and they will be able to have a voice. These individuals live a life full of obstacles. For example, lesbian Chicanas are not accepted in the patriarchal Chicano family structure because they are seen as a threat. However, many lesbian Chicanas overcome this by accepting themselves. By accepting themselves they realize that the can be who they want to be and not have to be a part of patriarchy. This acceptance helps establish that they are worthy of doing whatever they should not be judged. I think that any individual that does not live a “traditional” lifestyle should accept themselves and not feel ashame or feel like they are doing something wrong.
An LBGT individual could pursue a healthy life through the traditional views by accepted their true self. For example, for Chicana women, Trujillo article stated, “must act to negate the negation. A Chicana lesbian must learn to learn herself, both as a woman and as a sexual being, before she can love another.” and once she opens up to the acceptance she can surround herself with people from the LBGT. In Moraga’s article, she illustrates the signification contribution that both lesbian and gay men contribute to the development of a new Chicano movement, one committed to saving lives. The development of the “Queer Aztlán” concept gives a platform to establish relationships people in a open and comfortable space, learning to equip themselves for those outside of that community. Many of my friends are gay, lesbian, or identify as femm gay Chicano man and they live fearless lives and are more involved in community activism then my heterosexual counterparts.
I think homosexuals or anyone living a “non-traditional” life shouldn’t worry about what other think or view them. I think to live a happy live, you need to be positive and be with people who are accepting. In this case, being amongst people who accept you and don’t judge you, will make you into confident person.I always felt a bit left out when I was younger, and felt a complete stranger even to my family. But it wasn’t until I was about 10 or 11 that I felt happy with my self. I joined cheerleading in Middle school and met so many people who liked the same thing as me. I felt welcomed with my new friends, and that motivated me to be a more confident and happier person. Also living a positive live will make you a much happier person, heterosexual people or anyone feeling un-traditional shouldn’t worry about traditional. It’s not about what life style you live, but how you live that lifestyle.
I agree with what you said when women are only seen to be here to accommodate other people’s needs rather than our own. I think many women in this generation are beginning to speak up when it comes to choosing between a career and have a family. But some people’s view in society is still “old” where they can’t see that it is okay to not have a family and to choose yourself rather than having to take care of others in their life. I am so glad that you are able to feel comfortable as yourself and not worry what others think of you. Continue to be you!