ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF LIFE

Alternative Forms of Life 

Alternative Forms of Life allows the deconstruction of what was once considered the Nuclear/Nordic/Normal family. The concept of Alternative Forms of Life, allows the freedom of choice for people to be who they are and love who they choose, when creating families of their own by choice. These alternative family structure types are made up of several intersecting possibilities including same sex couples, interracial couples – both heterosexual or same sex, trans or non binary, disabilities and ableists, children of natural conception, donor or adoption and other endless possibilities of how people choose to create a family, even those who thrive within communal or multi-generational families. 

These alternative forms are life and are families, that create and model a new level of diversity, inclusion and healthy curiosity to look outside the box in what family represents to someone. When people build a family, they build a community and gain support systems that are not always traditional. For example, a same sex couple may have friends of any gender but perhaps rely on their LGBTQ2S+ community to obtain advice or resources if looking to adopt or how to communicate with their child when asked questions about why their family "looks" different than someone else's. By creating conversations with an open mind, connecting communities and accepting alternative lifestyles as "Normal", allows future generations to feel less "different" and rather embrace themselves and their diverse roots. 

-Heteronormativity-

The Institute for the Development of Anti-Hegemonic Masculinities (IDMAH) defines heteronormativity as 'the belief that heterosexuality is the default or normal mode of sexual orientation'. Heteronorm is then the belief that heterosexuality is "normal," while homosexuality, bisexuality, and pansexuality are 'weird' or even 'bad.' We do not take into account that there is more than one sexual orientation, and that can lead to discriminatory and even violent acts.

Muñoz (2010) points out that this patriarchal-Judeo-Christian-capitalist model of sexuality includes four elements:

1. Monogamy: refers to a form of relationship or marriage in which an individual has only one partner (spouse) at any given time. It is a social and cultural practice that typically involves a commitment to exclusivity and fidelity between the partners involved. Monogamy can be contrasted with other forms of relationship structures, such as polygamy (where a person has multiple spouses simultaneously) and polyamory (where individuals may have multiple romantic or sexual relationships with the consent and knowledge of all parties involved).

2. Phallocentrism: refers to a societal or cultural perspective that prioritizes the phallus (penis) as central to identity, power, and meaning. It is a concept rooted in feminist theory. It critiques patriarchal structures where masculinity and male sexuality are considered dominant and normative while femininity and female sexuality are marginalized or subordinated.

3. Reproductionism: refers to a societal ideology or framework that places significant emphasis on reproduction as a central aspect of human existence, identity, and societal organization. Procreation, in the form of having children, is central to Family structure and validation.

4. Heterosexuality: refers to sexual or romantic attraction, behavior, or orientation towards individuals of the opposite sex or gender. In other words, it is the orientation where individuals are primarily attracted to people of a different gender than their own

  However, this concept responds to a socio-historical construction. The attraction and relationship between people of different gender identities or sexes are taken as universal, that is, between a man and a woman. It is a model considered "traditional"; it is prescriptive and driven by assumptions. Some of the characteristics of heteronormativity present in society are the following:

• It is taken for granted, natural, obvious and universal. All people are assumed to be heterosexual.

• It is based on sexual binarism. Men and women, in turn, have "complementary" roles. However, it should be noted that they are valued differently and hierarchically.

• In a large part of societies and cultures, there is a constant reinforcement of heterosexuality as a universal model.

-Interracial Dating-

In McWhorter’s (2009, p. 282) novel, interracial dating is considered to be an abnormality because it opposes the goals of the Normal Family within the context of an Anglo-American society. McWhorter (2009, p. 286) highlights how the idea of the Normal Family emerged from Nordic supremacist ideologies, which aimed to purify the American race by advertising the idea that any alternate form of life, such as interracial couples, was considered socially and morally corrupt. These discriminatory beliefs both homogenized the American race and upheld the belief that the Nordic race was the most superior. Interracial couples directly opposed these beliefs by fostering romantic relationships outside of the boundaries they were expected to date within. McWhorter (2009, p. 291) notes that although formal eugenics programs and projects have declined in American society, these deeply ingrained beliefs persist and manifest in modern-day society. 

This would explain why interracial couples still face discrimination for dating outside the constructs of race and the Normal Family (Brooks & Morrison, 2022, p. 2; McWhorter, 2009, p. 292). The persistent nature of these views highlights the challenge of ridding society of these deeply ingrained beliefs which have significantly contributed to racial and sexual repercussions. Further, these misbeliefs have also entrenched the legal and social systems. In the case of Cramblett vs. Midwest Sperm Bank, the rigid confines of the Normal Family were tested yet again. The case involved a white lesbian couple who utilized a sperm sample from a Black donor without their knowledge (Lennon & Peers, 2017, p. 142). When the baby was delivered biracial, the couple sued the sperm bank for the ‘disruption’ in their expected Normal Family structure (Lennon & Peers, 2017, p. 142).  

See graphs below depicting interracial relationships statistics in Canada (2021). Learn more by clicking the link for details.

Metrics to Meaning: Capturing the Diversity of Couples in Canada - The Vanier Institute of the Family 

 -Same-Sex Unions- 

Same-Sex unions have increased in numbers with the opportunity to be legally married in Canada and several other Countries or States, while earning the same rights as a heterosexual couple. Not only has same-sex marriages increased, but the freedom and acceptance to be who you are a single or dating person has allowed the LGBTQ2S+ communities to stand in solidarity and voice their human rights. Historically, however, this has not always been the case. Movements and parades would have been deemed unlawful and deviant with many being jailed, institutionalized or murdered for voicing their opinions or rights. It is only in the last 40 years, and especially in the last 20, that the LGBTQ2S+ communities have really made progress and gained respect but with many roadblocks and battles to fight. 

Around the time of the Cold War in the 1940's, Eugenics began to make more headway with the push to create the 'Ideal, Normal Family", which would not include the genetics of a gay person. These genes were deemed unfit to reproduce, as it was suggested they would create, "psychopaths, sexual deviants and sexual predators" (McWhorter, p.245). It was said to believe that gay people had brain damage and neurological brain defects from early childhood trauma. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), also later determined that those in the gay community were mentally ill and suffered from abnormal and deviant behaviours.  

The Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960's was a turning point where the gay community supported the movement, not only for the Black communities, but for their own rights to be heard and draw attention to a differing version of racism (p.17). Both matters carried their own weight, but the two movements together became a powerful entity for change and recognition for human rights, regardless of colour, sex or gender, with the hopes of making waves for new opportunities. 

In the 1980's, Black Leaders embraced and acknowledged gay rights and it was amended to include their rights in the 1964 March Movement on the 20th anniversary in 1984, after many conflicts and dismissals to be recognized as equals. Although many challenges still lied up ahead, the community was finally being recognized for the oppression, abandonment and shame they had to endure over the many years and decades of being labelled as the "other" or mentally ill. Over the last 20 years, gay rights and activists have pushed the boundaries to be heard. Protests, marches and the power of social media to draw awareness and attention to an important matter, has shifted how the gay community lives. Although there may still be pain, shame and worry, new generations are more accepting as they will grow with this community as 'normal'. Having more access to information and being a part of the changing dynamics in someone's communities, can also increase the 'tolerance' and normality of the LGBTQ2S+ friends in our neighborhoods. 

Statistics Canada - "Same Sex Unions/Marriages with Children in Canada" - click on the link for more information

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016007/98-200-x2016007-eng.cfm

-Modern Day-

McWhorter discusses the "normal" family as predominantly a nuclear structure: a heterosexual couple and their biological children living together (2009, p. 251). McWhorter argues that this definition not only marginalizes alternative family forms—such as single-parent households, same-sex couples, and extended families—but also perpetuates systemic inequalities by embedding these norms within legal, educational, and economic frameworks. 

In contrast to McWhorter's depiction of the normal family, modern family structures have undergone significant transformation. Today, diverse configuration are common, reflecting broader societal shift towards acceptance and inclusivity. One notable change is the increasing prevalence of single-parent households and blended families (Wichmann, 2023, para.1). These structures challenge the traditional nuclear family, illustrating that love can thrive outside conventional frameworks. Additionally, the concept of chosen families has gained prominence, particularly within the LGBTQ+ communities. Many individuals create strong social bonds with friends and chosen kin, emphasizing that familial connections does not solely rely on biological ties. 

McWhorter’s exploration of the normal family highlights the limitations of traditional definitions, revealing how they serve to marginalize diverse familial arrangements. In contrast, modern society increasingly embraces a multiplicity of family structures, reflecting changing values and a commitment to inclusivity. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize and validate these diverse experiences, ensuring that our understanding of family continues to evolve in a way that honors all forms of kinship and connection.

The image above illustrates the diverse range of family structures that exist in modern society, showcasing how families can be formed through various arrangements beyond the traditional nuclear model. 

-Queer Representation in the Media-

McWhorter (2009) has discussed gender norms, sexuality, and whiteness extensively within Chapter 6, The Normal Family. Branching off of normal sex, and into a survey of queer representation in the media. This representation has come a long way and can be found in books, music, tv/movies, and even within celebrities themselves. 

Genuine representation aids in combating stereotypes and misconceptions. A study conducted by Bradley Bond & Benjamin Compton (2015) shows proof of this. When straight people see queer characters in media, they become more accepting. This relates to a 2020 survey published by GLAAD and P&G which showed that with increased queer representation, more and more people were becoming more accepting in all aspects. When it comes to representation, there are many different kinds. There are negative, none or lack thereof, queerbaiting, tokens, idealistic, and coming of age. 

Negative representation is exactly what it sounds like. It upholds negative stereotypes and misrepresents the queer community. An example is a gay relationship but one person is older and grooms the younger one. No representation is when a piece of media has no queer characters whatsoever. Queerbaiting occurs when there are scenes that hint at queer characters being present, but nothing further comes of it and it is never canonized. 

Tokenism has a side character that is queer and that is essentially their personality. They're queer, quirky, and the comedic relief. Idealistic representation is seen in media with alternate universes. Here, queer people exist as they are as there's no prejudice or discrimination against them. Coming of age follows a character that's discovering their sexuality and the journey they go on to come out to themselves and the people in their lives. Queer representation has certainly come a long way in media, and it's something that will continue to evolve as the world grows more accepting and people discover who they are and their place in the world.