Sexuality as a Standard of Civilization: Historicizing (Homo)Colonial Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class
Based on:
Journal Article (2020)
It is important to acknowledge the colonial dimension of the governance of (homo)sexuality. By doing so, practitioners gain a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ communities in the global south and they avoid perpetuating the harmful binary understanding of the world as consisting of ‘civilised’ and ‘uncivilised’ people.
Brief by:
Content
This research can be used as a way to reflect on initiatives that seek to discuss or take action with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in the majority world.
This research was based on research in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe/North America
Key findings
The article makes three interrelated arguments: first, that contemporary politics and governance of sexuality (homosexuality in particular) is embedded in a historical standard of civilisation; second, that sexuality as a standard of civilisation has been produced in relation to global power dynamics; third, that these dynamics continue to intersect, with gender, race, and class in different ways.
Proposed action
To consider on the kinds of racial and class exclusions regarding LGBTQ+ rights that exist in Western geographies, specifically concerning ghettoisation, immigration, and asylum
To take action by raising the profile of existing activists, activism, and the demands of communities located in the majority world
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Phaedra Haringsma for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Phaedra Haringsma, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Sexuality as a Standard of Civilization: Historicizing (Homo)Colonial Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class
Cite this brief: Delatolla, Andrew. 'Sexuality as a Standard of Civilization: Historicizing (Homo)Colonial Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/sexuality-as-a-standard-of-civilization-historicizing-homocolonial-intersections-of-race-gender-and-class/
Brief created by: Dr Andrew Delatolla | Year brief made: 2021
Original research:
- Delatolla, A., ‘Sexuality as a Standard of Civilization: Historicizing (Homo)Colonial Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class’ 64(1) (pp. 148–158) https://doi.org/10.1093/isq/sqz095. – https://academic.oup.com/isq/article/64/1/148/5695298
Research brief:
It is important to acknowledge the colonial dimension of the governance of (homo)sexuality. By doing so, practitioners gain a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ communities in the global south and they avoid perpetuating the harmful binary understanding of the world as consisting of ‘civilised’ and ‘uncivilised’ people.
This research can be used as a way to reflect on initiatives that seek to discuss or take action with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in the majority world.
This research was based on research in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe/North America
Findings:
The article makes three interrelated arguments: first, that contemporary politics and governance of sexuality (homosexuality in particular) is embedded in a historical standard of civilisation; second, that sexuality as a standard of civilisation has been produced in relation to global power dynamics; third, that these dynamics continue to intersect, with gender, race, and class in different ways.
Advice:
To consider on the kinds of racial and class exclusions regarding LGBTQ+ rights that exist in Western geographies, specifically concerning ghettoisation, immigration, and asylum
To take action by raising the profile of existing activists, activism, and the demands of communities located in the majority world