A Glimpse into the Queer Mind

Queer individuals have historically been dubbed as disgraceful heretics who have strayed from the word of God. As a result of this hatred, people within the LGBTQ community are continually discriminated against and killed in modern civilizations for nothing more than their deviance in sexual orientation from heterosexuality. It would be an understatement to say that the anachronistic word of Abrahamic religions has tarnished the global perception of queer people, and has reduced their appearance to one of inferiority and inhumanity.

Diaries and journals are items that people hold very close to themselves, as they provide a personal first-hand account of one's most inner thoughts and desires. Not only are they a form of everyday writing that can be extremely personal, but they can be further shown to be a time-lapse on paper. As one continually makes entries within their diary or journal, the act of journal writing is thus imprinting one's experiences, tribulations, and life philosophies that may have been brought about as a result. People have kept diaries and journals all over the world for centuries, which indicates that they can vary in time period, location, and even the design of the book itself. These collections of personal history are generative of new and thoughtful ideas, though, as they establish a sense of connectedness with oneself and may influence one's decision-making by challenging their morals that one had written in the very same work. Furthermore, they are works that can influence others by passing on one's story and recounting their successes, failures, and how they dealt with such matters.

Diaries and journals have the potential to open many people's eyes when it comes to LGBTQ issues. For too long have thousands of people been dubbed as abominations and perceived as dehumanized beyond redemption. With millions of people writing diaries every day, observing the writings of queer individuals offers a glimpse into the queer mind, thus exposing the oxymoronic normalcy of queer people. In this exhibit, journals and diaries of queer individuals from various backgrounds and areas of expertise will be put on display in order to emphasize that people who identify with the LGBTQ community are productive and influential members of society.