Session 10(October 2013)

The summary of "Session 10 - Beyond conference" addresses the discussions held during an event on the broader implications of marriage equality, particularly in relation to queer relationships, politics, and societal expectations. The event, featuring speakers Anne Russell and Bill Logan, took place at Wellington High School in New Zealand and explored themes relevant to the 2010s decade.

The recording begins with a trigger warning from Anne about the topics of rape, domestic violence, and suicide that will be touched upon. The focus then shifts to the marriage equality campaign, which presented frustrations for many queer people who saw it as a strange priority given more pressing issues within queer activism such as being disowned or denied healthcare. Anne criticizes the campaign for perpetuating the assumption that all queer people aspire to monogamous, legally recognized partnerships, coining this the "Macklemore discourse."

Anne's talk proceeds by challenging the dominant culture's narrow representation of relationships, arguing for the visibility of non-monogamous and single individuals who often face societal judgment. They highlight the political nature of relationships and introduce the term "relationship ideology," urging for critical scrutiny of relationships within society and contemplating what exactly defines a "relationship." Anne advocates for a shift away from privileging sexual relationships over other types and implores the audience to recognize the socio-political underpinnings of relationship norms.

Bill Logan builds on these thoughts by distinguishing between passionate sexual love and marriage, noting they have mostly separate histories in Western culture. According to Logan, while love has the potential for disruption, marriage traditionally has been about status and property. They argue that even as modern society tries to incorporate love into marriage, it often ends in a conservative institution with harmful consequences.

Reflecting on the contemporary cynicism towards love, Logan suggests that while love can erupt in various social arrangements, for it to be widespread and free from the constraints of class society, a fundamental societal restructuring is necessary. They highlight the systemic limitations on love and marriage and underscores the need to fight for equal rights - not to mandate marriage for all, but to grant everyone the freedom to choose their path. Logan calls for attention to the material conditions affecting queer individuals, particularly adolescents facing intense difficulties.

During the discussion portion, participants expressed a range of views, including the relevance of polyamory as an identity and the intersectionality of oppression. The speakers illuminated how material circumstances dictate relationship norms and the discussion concluded with a consensus on the importance of deconstructing oppressive constructs while also addressing immediate material needs, advocating for both sexual freedom and social change.

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Anne Russell Bill Logan

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