Acid Horizon Eros and Empire: A Marxist Theory of Desire, Queer Liberation, and the Limits of the Nation with Alexander Stoffel
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May 19, 2025 In this discussion with Alexander Stoffel, author of Eros and Empire, they dive into the intricate links between queer liberation and Marxist theory. Stoffel reveals how desire can serve as a tool against imperialism and capitalism, exploring the rich histories of LGBTQ activism, from Stonewall to Black lesbian feminism. He argues for solidarity beyond nationalistic boundaries, and how capitalism distorts personal aspirations. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for queer and trans liberation and emphasizes the importance of an anti-capitalist perspective.
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Desire and the Bourgeois State
- Marx’s analysis of capitalism abstracts from specific desires, focusing instead on the laws of capital.
- Desire plays a crucial role in reproducing the myths of the bourgeois state and its claim to universal rights.
Consumerism and National Ideals
- Post-war mass consumption redefined workers as consumers linked to the nuclear family ideal.
- Marginalized groups who failed to conform were excluded and denied economic and social advantages.
Queer Desire Beyond Nationalism
- Queer liberation movements politicized non-normative desires as revolutionary potential beyond nationalist frameworks.
- Some gay liberationists later retreated to nationalist projects, revealing tensions in solidarity efforts.
