Antiqueere Ideologie

In Germany, a heterogeneous bloc of Catholic church representatives and evangelicals, ranging from neoliberals and right-wing conservatives to nationalist socialists, has united around the question: 'Gender' must be stopped. The discourse originates from clerical circles but has long since established itself in both bourgeois and right-wing media. Discourses against equality, gender studies, and the freedom of gender expression are gaining traction. From Vatican City to Washington and Rio, and from Kisslegg to Schnellroda, alliances can be found against the perceived enemies of 'gender ideology' and 'early sexualization.' They claim to protect 'nature,' 'the people,' and 'the family' against 'decay.' Their actors long for security and clear boundaries, fearing blurring and deconstruction: they propagate an anti-queer ideology.

What drives people to become entangled in this ideology online - and how can political education empower them to forge their own paths beyond rigid norms and authoritarian desires? Author Hannah Engelmann explores this question on various levels. She investigates the roots of antiquated ideology in the field of economics and in the way we become subjects and identify with collectives. A complex interplay of political and psychological regressions emerges. In light of this, she considers what critical diversity education can counteract. She engages in conversations with experienced practitioners of political education from trade union, queer, and anti-racist contexts. In the end, concrete ideas for educational work are presented that contribute to a safer society for all by unsettling collective identifications.