NOURISHING DIVERSITY – Queer visibility through culinary expression
The design project “Nourishing Diversity” explores the connection between queerness and food, uncovering the roles, tools, history, and inspiration that food holds within the LGBTQ+ community. The project aims to generate and create more visibility and representation of queer individuals through food in the culinary world. Through community cooking events and a dining experience the project discovered a not well known and seen connection that lays within culinary expression and discovering identity through food. Food has always brought people together, and this is equally true within the queer community. By revisiting queer history through food, we can explore dishes that have been important to queer people.
Food is love and a way to express identity and culture.
Why does this matter?
Heteronormativity is an institution with a long history influenced by several complex factors. The world is constructed to serve a singular ideal: the heterosexual, white, cisgender man. Anything outside of this norm is often viewed as different, unconventional, or unusual. It is very important to support diversity so social sustainability can thrive and not only one norm is accepted in society. Also, in the culinary world heteronormativity plays a huge role and queer people can step into their culinary creativity.
Representation and visibility of queer people in the culinary world are crucial for fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the industry. Historically, the culinary world, much like other sectors, has been dominated by heteronormative narratives that often marginalize or overlook the contributions and experiences of queer individuals. By bringing queer representation to the forefront, we can challenge these dominant norms, celebrate diverse identities, and provide a platform for queer voices. This not only enriches the cultural fabric of the culinary world but also creates safer, more welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals to express their creativity and pursue their passions. Working towards greater visibility and representation helps to break down stereotypes, build community, and inspire future generations of queer chefs, food enthusiasts, and culinary professionals. It matters because food is a universal medium that connects us all, and every story, especially those from marginalized communities, deserves to be told and savoured.
The connection between food and queerness
The connection between food and queerness is not well explored. Food as Identity Expression is similar to how queerness allows individuals to express their unique identities, food can also serve as a form of self-expression. Some queer individuals may use cooking or sharing certain foods as a way to express their identity, values, or cultural heritage. Additionally, exploring diverse cuisines can be a way for queer individuals to connect with their own identities or with others in their community.
In Communal Gathering Spaces, food often plays a central role in community building and social gatherings within queer communities. Shared meals, potlucks, and dining out together can foster connections, build solidarity, and create safe spaces for queer individuals to come together, share experiences, and support one another. These communal food experiences reinforce the sense of belonging and acceptance within queer spaces.
“To be queer is to be the sum of many things that you think at first might not go together, but those of us who’ve lived it know that the variety really is the spice of life” – P.C. Verrone
Immersing Design with queerness and food
This project was conducted with principles of participatory design. In collaboration with the student association LnuGBTQ+. Several workshops were organised where queers and non-queers cooked together and revisited a small part of queer history. The outcome of these workshops was a stronger community within the queer community as well as how important it is to create spaces where (queer) people can come together, cook, and share food. All recipes were saved in small postcards that everyone could take home.
Another part of the exploration was a dining experience hosted where queer history was recapturing history through a queer perspective. Dishes were served that had either a direct connection to a queer person or the dish supported the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights. A queer history zine got handed out so the participants could read the detailed story behind the dish. The dinner was a new and refreshing way to revisit queer history through food.
Growth
The outcomes of this project are tangible and intangible. The physical outcome of this project is a Queer Food Zine, that collects all the dishes that have been eaten and explored through this project. For dreams and future development, I envision either a food truck or a community centre that shares queer perspectives through food and creates stronger community.
An intangible outcome of this project is that this area has not been well explored, which leads to so many possibilities. Building community, sharing queer stories through food, and finding new friendships are just a collection of this project. Re-immersing queer history through eating dinner together is a refreshing and new way of discovering identity and creativity.
