A wolf in sheep's clothing: A critical view of the post-gay in an Australian context

Various theorists explain post-gay as synonymous with post-marriage equality and define it as an era where diverse sexual orientations are normalised within the mainstream; therefore, people with diverse sexual orientation experience less discrimination, marginalisation and prejudice. This chapter argues that while the post-gay offers a promise of utopia for gay and lesbian people and, by extension, the LGBTQIA+ communities, it exemplifies the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. Drawing on a critical examination of newspaper articles on the same-sex marriage vote in Australia, this chapter evaluates Australia’s position in a post-gay world. The findings suggest discourse on the same-sex marriage vote focused predominantly on two key themes: (i) the need to protect those who did not accept same-sex marriage and relationships, and (ii) the role of government officials in weaponising the vote for political gain. The finding largely indicates that the post-gay invertedly favours the privileged by providing an illusion of inclusion and reducing the need for systemic and structural change within a conservative society. The chapter concludes by arguing that accepting the post-gay could result in inaction towards meaningfully achieving a more equitable society where sexual orientations are not politicised as a means of segregation.