Queering Medusa

The figure of Medusa, the gorgon framed as a monster with snakes for hair in the well-known Greek myth, has been reclaimed in recent years. The modern Medusa is defiant, a feminist icon representing those who have been raped, abused, or unjustly treated, just as Medusa is in the story when she is punished by Athena after being raped.

Here we are queering who this modern Medusa stands for. My Challenger for this image, Panda Bennett, describes this in her own words:

“I identify as a queer Afro-Indigenous person.

Medusa is a goddess of protection and empowerment. And my work with her has been deeply healing and transformative, allowing me the strength to pick up my broken pieces after I was sexually assaulted in 2016. While there are many myths and stories surrounding Medusa, I love the depiction of her as a black goddess with locks of serpents, awarded the power to stand as a protector for ALL (not just women) who have been violated. She brings deep truths, a fierce strength, and hope in the face of some of our hardest times.

After I came out of my own hurting and feelings, I definitely realized how powerful and important it was that Medusa was inclusive – as I know many of my non-binary friends who unfortunately have been hurt that way. And the story of Medusa being punished and then choosing to only punish men… It never spoke to me, but when I sat with the writings about her strength and gift of protection for anyone who had suffered the violation of her body, that made more sense to me.”