Still Holding Privilege

An examination of the process of recognizing privilege

I identify as a white, homosexual, woman. In the past, I have felt more often than not, that my homosexual status affects my privilege in a negative way. That my being gay is shoving me lower on the social ladder. Although, I have recently realized that homosexuality in my racial category still holds weight when considering privilege. In light of recent events, I have really been considering the privilege that I have and how I can use that privilege to benefit those that aren’t afforded the privilege that I hold. Although I am a lesbian, I am still white and I pass for a heterosexual both of which afford me ample privilege. Not only that, I am of a social class that allows me to receive a higher education and all of those things contribute to the privilege that I hold. I am beginning to wonder whether or not, my being gay affects my privilege in any way at all. Yes, I may be surrounded by people who disagree with me and my life. Although I have other privilege that still allows me to advance in society.

In terms of homosexuality overall in my racial category, I feel that it sets the stage for anyone who is considered to be gay. When someone thinks about a person coming out, they picture a gay, white, male. There are very few media portrayals of homosexuals as any race other than white and most are typically men. Because of this, I feel that white homosexuals hold privilege. I wouldn’t go as far to say that society deems white homosexuality as acceptable, but they are willing to tolerate it. I think this is because of the whiteness. You are not forgoing a place of power entirely by being a white, gay person. You are still white and therefore you still hold power. I think that when a person of color comes out, it is much more detrimental to them socially. They are starting with very little weight in society and give up even more by coming out. When a person of color comes out, they have much more to consider than a white person who is coming out. The experience is entirely different and I think that it is damaging to portray that all coming out experiences will be the same. There will be different outcomes based on your race and class.

In Black Queer Sexualities, an article by Roderick Ferguson discusses how “...sociological arguments about the socially constructed nature of (homo)sexuality index the contemporary entrance of white gays and lesbians into the rights and privileges of American citizenship.” (53) I found this to be interesting and it cleared a lot of things up for me. White homosexuals are still benefitting from the racial status and class status that is afforded to most white people. In fact, because of this, privilege as white homosexuals is proving detrimental to other marginalized groups. I think the fault is that white homosexuals don’t recognize the privilege that they still hold. I know this is true for me, and unfortunately I am just now realizing it. I felt that because I was a homosexual, I was immediately revoked of all privilege. This is incredibly untrue and I am realizing how harmful it is. I am able to cross back and forth between the barriers of showing my sexuality as well as it coming second to my race and class. I do think that I can use this to my advantage when advocating for marginalized groups.

Therefore, being a white homosexual is not detrimental to the privilege one holds. I think that although white homosexuals are excluded from some groups, overall they hold more privilege than other marginalized groups. My racial category allows me to be a homosexual and feel minimal repercussions of that. It is important to me to always keep this in the front of my mind, just as I do my white privilege.