Reevaluating the Origins and Evolution of Queer Identity Through Art and History
A Shift in Understanding Sexuality: From Innate to Fluid
For much of the 20th century, prevailing societal beliefs held that homosexuality was an inherent trait-something individuals were born with, a fixed aspect of their biological makeup. This perspective suggested that once someone uncovered their true sexual orientation, they could live authentically, provided they overcame societal prejudices. The phrase “born this way,” popularized by Lady Gaga’s hit, encapsulated this idea, offering a narrative of naturalness and inevitability that fueled civil rights movements.
However, recent generations, especially among youth, are increasingly questioning this rigid view. Instead of seeing sexual orientation as a static, innate characteristic, many now embrace a more fluid, experimental approach to sexuality and identity. This shift reflects a broader cultural move toward understanding sexual attraction as dynamic, shaped by personal experiences, social contexts, and individual self-expression.
Historical Context: Art, Identity, and the Birth of a New Paradigm
An illuminating exhibition in Chicago, titled “The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869-1939,” offers a compelling historical perspective on these transformations. Hosted at Wrightwood 659-a striking gallery designed by architect Tadao Ando in Lincoln Park-the exhibit explores how notions of homosexual identity emerged and evolved through the lens of visual art and artistic expression.
Curated by Jonathan Katz and Johnny Willis, the exhibition assembles approximately 300 works by 125 artists from over 40 nations. Among the featured creators are lesser-known Scandinavian, Mexican, and Australian artists alongside renowned European and American figures such as John Singer Sargent, Thomas Eakins, Marsden Hartley, Beauford Delaney, and Florine Stettheimer. A significant portion of the display is dedicated to portraits of iconic queer cultural figures like Gertrude Stein, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Rimbaud, Walt Whitman, Jean Cocteau, and James Baldwin, highlighting the rich tapestry of queer intellectual and artistic history.
The Coining of “Homosexual”: A Turning Point in Identity Formation
The term “homosexual” was first introduced by Hungarian-German journalist Karl Maria Kertbeny in 1868 through a personal letter and a subsequent pamphlet. Kertbeny challenged the notion that same-sex desire was a fixed identity, instead framing it as an act, a preference, or a proclivity-an aspect of behavior rather than an unchangeable essence. His language was revolutionary, emphasizing fluidity over permanence.
Kertbeny’s correspondence was addressed to Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, a pioneering advocate for the rights of individuals attracted to the same sex. Ulrichs believed that same-sex attraction was rooted in innate qualities-an idea that, despite later linguistic shifts, ultimately gained dominance in Western thought. This conceptual shift laid the groundwork for understanding sexual orientation as an inherent aspect of identity, a notion that profoundly influenced subsequent social and political developments.
Implications of the Binary: From Complexity to Simplification
The exhibition probes the profound consequences of adopting a binary view of sexuality-dividing human desire into “heterosexual” and “homosexual” categories. This dichotomy, while increasing visibility for same-sex desire, also introduced new challenges. It fostered a sense of belonging and pride but also led to the marginalization and stereotyping of queer individuals, who were often targeted as distinct and deviant.
The period between 1869 and 1939, the focus of the exhibition, was marked by significant upheavals. The rise of fascism and the onset of World War II saw the systematic persecution of artists and intellectuals labeled as “degenerate,” including Jews and homosexuals. The Nazi regime’s campaigns to shame, exile, and eliminate these groups serve as stark reminders of how fragile progress can be in the face of authoritarian repression.
Art as a Reflection of Changing Attitudes and Identities
The exhibition demonstrates how the language of “homosexual” influenced artistic representations of queer life. Early depictions often masked same-sex relationships as platonic friendships, but over time, artists became more candid. For example, Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret’s drawing captures what is believed to be the first European artwork portraying a modern same-sex couple-two men strolling along the Seine, their relationship openly acknowledged.
Similarly, Emilie Mundt’s 1893 painting depicts a multigenerational queer family, including her partner Marie Luplau, their adopted daughter, and Mundt’s aging father, illustrating the diversity and tenderness of queer kinship structures. Andreas Andersen’s painting of his brother Hendrik and their friend John Briggs Potter, emerging from bed after a shared night, exemplifies the intimate and honest portrayal of same-sex bonds.
The Complexity and Vulnerability of Queer Identity
While increased visibility was a milestone, the exhibition also underscores the limitations and dangers that came with it. The categorization of individuals as “homosexuals” often led to their social and political marginalization, reducing complex human experiences to a single aspect of identity. This simplification, the curators argue, turned individuals into targets-vulnerable to discrimination, repression, and violence.
In the early 20th century, a notable shift occurred in artistic imagery: representations moved from androgynous, youthful figures to hypermasculine, mature bodies. This change was partly driven by the need to distance same-sex desire from associations with pederasty and to align with emerging societal norms of masculinity. Artists like Courtois transitioned from depicting slender adolescents to muscular, robust men, reflecting a redefinition of what it meant to be queer.
Gender, Identity, and Political Dissidence
The exhibition explores how ideas about gender and desire became sites of experimentation and resistance. Artists such as Tamara de Lempicka, Romaine Brooks, and Claude Cahun challenged conventional gender roles, creating works that blurred boundaries and questioned societal norms. The concept of gender as a social construct, separate from biological sex, opened avenues for political dissent and personal exploration.
A fascinating segment is dedicated to the Sanctuary of Art Elisarion, a spiritual community founded in the 1920s by Elisàr von Kupffer and Eduard von Mayer. This “temple” promoted Klarismus (Clarism), a belief that the gender binary was a divine perversion and that all humans were inherently homosexual-an idea rooted in spiritual transcendence. The art produced under this movement, often kitschy and surreal, reflects a utopian longing for unity beyond societal divisions, though it also reveals the limits of such idealism.
The Enduring Complexity of Sexual Desire
The exhibition’s core message is that art, by embracing complexity, can better capture the multifaceted nature of human desire. It refuses to reduce sexuality to simple categories or moral judgments. Instead, it celebrates freedom-the right to explore, express, and love without repression or shame.
Despite setbacks-such as artworks being withdrawn due to political fears or cultural taboos-the exhibition underscores that the history of queer art and identity is one of resilience and ongoing transformation. It challenges viewers to reconsider notions of naturalness, identity, and the social constructs that shape our understanding of sexuality.
A Reflection on Progress and Peril
As contemporary society continues to grapple with issues of gender and sexual identity, the exhibition reminds us that progress is fragile. The recognition of diverse identities can be reversed or suppressed in times of political upheaval. The fight for acceptance and rights remains ongoing, and art remains a vital space for resistance, reflection, and hope.
“The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869-1939” is a provocative exploration of how art has both reflected and shaped our understanding of queer history. It advocates for embracing complexity and resisting simplistic narratives-an essential reminder in our ongoing quest for genuine freedom and equality.
Exhibition Details:
Open until July 26 at Wrightwood 659, Chicago.
Visit wrightwood659.org for more information.