Beyond the Self: Exploring Relational Identity and Holistic Connections

My exploration into caring about one's identity beyond the private sphere, under the theme of relational identity, stems from a quest to understand the concept itself. This journey began with Anne Salmond's 'Tears of Rangi,' particularly her intriguing assertion that God is an analytic logician. To paraphrase Salmond's ideas, Māori philosophy presents a holistic, relational view of existence. It posits that concepts exist in tandem with their opposites, such that invoking one inherently activates its counterpart. This approach challenges the Cartesian notion of an individual as a distinct entity, separated from the world by the mere boundaries of their skin.

Drawing from the spiralling imagery of the koru, Māori philosophy suggests that identity is influenced by both past and future elements. It encompasses not just our bloodline ancestors but also spiritual entities and geographical features. Identity, in this view, is an integral part of a comprehensive, relational network.

This perspective is particularly enlightening when considering identity in the context of the LGBTQ+ community. The act of 'coming out' transcends mere declarations of sexual orientation or preference. It signifies the establishment of a position within a complex web of relationships. It encompasses the historical struggles and societal challenges faced by rainbow communities, including acts of violence and societal exclusion. But it also involves the relationships one forms and the recognition — legal, societal, and communal — of these relationships. This holistic understanding of queer identity goes far beyond mere sexual practices in the private sphere. To do so would be to overlook the full, interconnected narrative of one's life.