Bristol University Press
5 LGBT+ Activism and Morality Politics in Central and Eastern Europe: Understanding the Dynamic Equilibrium in Czechia from a Broader Transnational Perspective
Abstract
In this chapter, I focus on providing a perspective through which we may understand the current conditions and challenges of LGBT+ activism in Czechia and the other countries that are part of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). By zooming out from the current Czech context, I will show how are broader transnational contexts influenced by overlooked specific developments. Departing from clumsy discourses of ‘belatedness’, and ‘immaturity’ of the regional LGBT+ rights, I will also detour from representations of the situation as mere stagnation. Instead, by discussing the research on so-called ‘anti-gender movements’, I will represent the current situation as dynamic equilibrium, or an active stalemate caused by the simultaneous vibrancy of activists’ efforts and particularly vocal political opposition. Instead of focusing on their further description, I will attempt to understand these novel challenges as an opportunity to notice a vast set of relatively overlooked or underestimated issues. Building on previous work, I suggest that ontological insecurity may represent one such overlooked phenomenon or a type of resource, that is being aroused by populist politicians who exploit morality politics. Finally, I will focus on our NGO Queer Geography, in which we seek to employ strategies that may help buffer Czech society against efforts of moral entrepreneurs.
Abstract
In this chapter, I focus on providing a perspective through which we may understand the current conditions and challenges of LGBT+ activism in Czechia and the other countries that are part of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). By zooming out from the current Czech context, I will show how are broader transnational contexts influenced by overlooked specific developments. Departing from clumsy discourses of ‘belatedness’, and ‘immaturity’ of the regional LGBT+ rights, I will also detour from representations of the situation as mere stagnation. Instead, by discussing the research on so-called ‘anti-gender movements’, I will represent the current situation as dynamic equilibrium, or an active stalemate caused by the simultaneous vibrancy of activists’ efforts and particularly vocal political opposition. Instead of focusing on their further description, I will attempt to understand these novel challenges as an opportunity to notice a vast set of relatively overlooked or underestimated issues. Building on previous work, I suggest that ontological insecurity may represent one such overlooked phenomenon or a type of resource, that is being aroused by populist politicians who exploit morality politics. Finally, I will focus on our NGO Queer Geography, in which we seek to employ strategies that may help buffer Czech society against efforts of moral entrepreneurs.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Figures v
- Notes on Contributors vi
- Acknowledgements xi
- Introduction 1
- Evacuation Lost: Activism and Scholarship in a Time of Geopolitical Crisis 15
- Women Weaving Critical Geographies 31
- Critical Geography Collective of Ecuador as Feminist Geography Collective Praxis 55
- Legacies of Black Feminist Activism in the US South 73
- LGBT+ Activism and Morality Politics in Central and Eastern Europe: Understanding the Dynamic Equilibrium in Czechia from a Broader Transnational Perspective 94
- Sexual Harassment and Claiming the Right to Everyday Life 120
- Giving Birth in a ‘Hostile Environment’ 145
- Respectful Relationalities: Researching with Those Who Contest or Have Concerns about Changes in Sexual and Gender Legislation and Cultures 161
- Conclusion 178
- Index 184
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Figures v
- Notes on Contributors vi
- Acknowledgements xi
- Introduction 1
- Evacuation Lost: Activism and Scholarship in a Time of Geopolitical Crisis 15
- Women Weaving Critical Geographies 31
- Critical Geography Collective of Ecuador as Feminist Geography Collective Praxis 55
- Legacies of Black Feminist Activism in the US South 73
- LGBT+ Activism and Morality Politics in Central and Eastern Europe: Understanding the Dynamic Equilibrium in Czechia from a Broader Transnational Perspective 94
- Sexual Harassment and Claiming the Right to Everyday Life 120
- Giving Birth in a ‘Hostile Environment’ 145
- Respectful Relationalities: Researching with Those Who Contest or Have Concerns about Changes in Sexual and Gender Legislation and Cultures 161
- Conclusion 178
- Index 184
