‘Fuck normal’: Praxis for learning from the profane

Abstract

There is much to be learned through sharing stories of resistance to binaries. In this paper I introduce myself (so that you know a bit about how my experiences with privilege and marginalisation shape my view of the world and the knowledge which I create). I share some stories from my own life (and gifted to me) that make visible how binaries reinforce oppression, particularly how binaries reinforce colonial ideas about ‘superiority’. I share news stories about two Indigenous change-makers, so we can dream about how to resist binary and how to support each other with the lonely work of being a bridge/veggie burger with bacon. I’m a teacher, so sometimes I invite you to check out my references to learn more about vital concepts that cannot be explored within this one paper. I include my entire self in this writing, through the inclusion of my humour, my heart and my voice. I have found the most belonging with communities who are comfortable existing in a world where sacred and profane have a lot of overlap. Usually this means communities who exist on the margins, which is a great place to engage in binary challenging praxis! It is a sacred act to keep my outraged profane voice, particularly in communities such as ‘professionals’ where this voice is often looked down upon, even as we claim to centre these voices. The part of me who says ‘fuck’ is the same part of me who expects justice for all, so shutting them up is impossible anyway!!