Performing Utopia: Queer Counterpublics and Southerners on New Ground

Abstract

Queer social movement actors use a variety of tools and tactics to work toward change. This chapter presents empirical research on contemporary social movement actors and their creation and use of queer utopian spaces as a social movement tactic. The study focuses on Southerners on New Ground (SONG), a group of Southern regional community organizers working to build, connect, and nurture individuals in the South who believe in liberation “across all lines of race, class, abilities, age, culture, gender, and sexuality.”1 Since 1993, SONG has functioned as a “membership-based organization that consists of working class, people of color, immigrants, and rural LGBTQ people.”2 Two codirectors currently run the organization, which has an office in Atlanta, Georgia, and a strong affiliate program in Durham, North Carolina. SONG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded through membership dues (starting at a US$15 sliding scale annual membership), fundraising events, and grants from foundations. SONG describes its over 700 members as “people committed to building freedom movements rooted in southern traditions like non-violent social justice activism, storytelling, music, breaking bread, resistance, humor, performance, critical thinking, and celebration.”3 This unique group of individuals working for social change provides the basis for this study.