We usually think of identity as referring to some group that one either “is” or “is not” a part of. With gay identities, the boundaries of such a group are harder to identify. The irony of coming “out” is that it really means going “in.” When you come out, you become part of a group that you were previously not a part of. There is a moment where you belong to the group without knowing anyone in it. Additional complications: what of all those cases where someone is put “in” the group against their will?
Would a QUEER identity (which tries to catch all) have to include all those who are mistaken for gays; all those who will be gay but aren’t yet; all those who have been and no longer are; etc, etc.? I think so, yes.
And it is for that reason that a Queer community is a contradictory, impossible thing.
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