My dissertating, to be authentic queer philosophizing, must be a Wyrd insurrection against the Emperor—the Pater Familias, the Patriarchy, the Toxic Masculine. My experiences over the last two years with a few older colleagues in professional philosophy informs me of how very much the “problem” of toxic patriarchy permeates our culture. If “thoughtful” folx—as purportedly philosophers should be—are capable of gaslighting themselves about the innocence of their motives, how could it not be at least as rampant in society at large, if not even more so. And I certainly make no claims to not having adopted a good deal of this behavior that needs excision. Therefore, it is not only a structural system to rise up against in my surroundings, but a instructed component built-into my very self. How often does this noxious figure of heteronormativity follow us into every life decision? Almost always.
