Queer Cultures

Oscar Wilde's defense of Queer love is one without apology - he wishes not to gain the approval or sympathies of the court by appealing to any of their biases, dispositions or beliefs. He merely wishes to tell his truth: a queer love is not an unnatural love, and that this love certainly IS a love whose name should be spoken of. 

In regard to Wilde's rhetoric, his overall argument does not explicitly reflect himself - he is essentially speaking in third person. Although it may seem elementary, he uses this strategy to divert the argument from Gill's initial accusation. Rather, Wilde uses the defense as an opportunity to speak about a love that is not only his, but shared by many others as well, all of whom he aims to defend. Furthermore, Wilde draws on incredibly influential, intellectual and well respected men in history to prove his point - drawing on ethos to guide the opinion of his persecutor. He states that Queer love "dictates and pervades" the great works of Shakespeare and Michelangelo; it exists in ever word, every stanza, every moment of the great love stories - it is as pure and beautiful as that of Romeo and Juliet (if we can really call this a "great love" - but historically, the comparison works). 

Lastly, and powerfully, Wilde explains that this love is "so much misunderstood" by criticizing the world that it exists in. This love is SO pure, so beautiful, and so fine that it can not be understood in a world that would mock such a love, and "put one in the pillory for it."