Gay History Month: Michel Foucault
Michel Foucault was a 20th Century French philosopher who challenged the concept of “normality” in society.
Post World War II, while living in Paris, Foucault developed a fascination with the confines of what is normal and socially acceptable.
His work in literature, history and philosophy were critical studies of social institutions; and later in his life, he analyzed the history of human sexuality.
His work has had a major influence on the understanding of lesbian and gay heritage.
In 1948, Foucault made a suicide attempt that was allegedly the result of guilt towards his increased awareness of his homosexuality. However, his new sense of self led to ground-breaking work in the study of sexuality.
His writing, Discipline and Punishment (1975) dissected sexual conformity in the 19th century, when it was the people who regulated behavior, forcing the idea of normality onto one another.
Herculine Barbine (1978) examined a 19th century hermaphrodite and how medicine, then and now, attempts to fix one’s sexual identity, not allowing the range of sexual diversity to take its course.
His last work before his death in 1984 was published in three volumes. The History of Sexuality (1976-1984) explored the nature of desire and challenged its boundaries and channels for expression. He revealed that in the 19th century, attempts to repress sexuality only perpetuated it.
Foucault’s work allowed individuals to consider the ideas of homosexuality and heterosexuality as notions that were confining, forcing individuals to claim a particular identity.
His work was also liberating for those who identified with him and those who also challenged “normality” in all realms of society.
