The Tunisian LGBT movement: An effect of the revolution?

By Abir Kréfa
English

There are now six LGBT associations in Tunisia, all of which were created following the revolution. Based on an ethnographic study, this article traces the emergence in (post-)revolutionary Tunisia of the LGBT movement, situating its effects within the country’s long-term history. Rather than suddenly appearing with the revolution, the Tunisian LGBT movement is partly based on preexisting networks and activist movements. The revolution did, however, influence the development of these movements in specific ways. Since December 2010, a number of mobilizations have been accompanied by critiques of the (hetero)sexual order. They have in turn enabled new encounters to take place, created new networks, and contributed to the rise of a significant period of political socialization. This article focuses on the role of this movement in the international circulation of resources and people, particularly between southern Mediterranean countries.

Keywords

  • Revolution
  • collective mobilization
  • LGBT
  • gender
  • Tunisia
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