Rainbow Trap Queer Lives Classifications and the Dangers of Inclusion

<p><b><i>Rainbow Trap </i>reveals how the fight for LGBTQ equalities in the UK is shaped – and constrained – by the classifications we encounter every day.</b><br><br>Looking across six systems – the police and the recording of hate crimes; dating apps and digital desire; outness in the film and television industry; borders and LGBTQ asylum seekers; health and fitness activities; and DEI initiatives in the workplace –<i> Rainbow Trap</i> documents how inclusive interventions – such as new legislation, revamped diversity policies and tech fixes – have attempted to bring historically marginalized communities out of the shadows.<br><br>Yet, as part of the bargain, LGBTQ people need to locate themselves in an ever-growing list of classifications, categories and labels to ‘make sense’ to the very systems they are seeking to access. This requirement to be classified catches LGBTQ communities in a rainbow trap. Because when we look beyond the welcoming veneer of inclusive interventions, we uncover sorting processes that determine what LGBTQ lives are valued and what queer futures are possible.</p>