I'm homosexual... How and why are idle questions. It's a little like wanting to know why my eyes are green

I'm homosexual... How and why are idle questions. It's a little like wanting to know why my eyes are green

Jean Genet, a French novelist, playwright, and poet, was known for his provocative and controversial works that often explored themes of homosexuality, criminality, and social outcasts. Genet himself was openly gay, and his own experiences as a homosexual man undoubtedly influenced his writing.

In the quote “I'm homosexual... How and why are idle questions. It's a little like wanting to know why my eyes are green,” Genet dismisses the idea that his sexuality needs to be explained or justified. He rejects the notion that being gay is something that needs to be analyzed or understood, much like the color of his eyes. This statement reflects Genet’s defiance against societal norms and expectations, as well as his refusal to conform to conventional ideas of sexuality.

For Genet, being homosexual was not just a personal identity, but a political statement. In a society that often marginalized and discriminated against LGBTQ individuals, Genet’s unapologetic embrace of his sexuality was a radical act of resistance. His works often challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality, and he used his writing to explore the complexities and nuances of queer identity.

Genet’s own experiences as a gay man undoubtedly shaped his perspective on sexuality and identity. Growing up in a society that stigmatized homosexuality, Genet likely faced discrimination and prejudice because of his sexual orientation. This would have undoubtedly influenced his writing and his views on the world around him.