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The phrase 'LGBT community' is often used by policy-makers, service providers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people themselves, but what does it mean? What understandings and experiences does that term suggest, and ignore? Based on a UK-wide study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, this book explores these questions from the perspectives of over 600 research participants.
Examining ideas about community 'ownership'; 'difference' and diversity; relational practices within and beyond physical spaces; imagined communities and belongings; the importance of 'ritual' spaces and symbols, and consequences for wellbeing, the book foregrounds the lived experience of LGBT people to offer a broad analysis of commonalities and divergences in relation to LGBT identities.
Drawing on an interdisciplinary perspective grounded in international social science research, the book will appeal to students and scholars with interests in sexual and/or gender identities in the fields of community studies, cultural studies, gender studies, geography, leisure studies, politics, psychology, sexuality studies, social policy, social work, socio-legal studies, and sociology. The book also offers implications for practice, suitable for policy-maker, practitioner, and activist audiences, as well as those with a more personal interest.
List of contents
- Introduction
Spatial communities and ‘gay ghettos’
Cultural communities and practices
Imagined communities and the ‘gay imaginary’
Friendships and personal communities
Virtual communities and cyberian mailways
Community is here to stay?
The research
The book
References
2. ‘Owning’ and questioning LGBT communities
Introduction
The acronym that ‘lumps together’
‘Managing’ the acronym
Ambivalence
Commonality
Agency
Chapter summary
References
3. Diversity, inequality and prejudice amongst LGBT people
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Diversity and inequality
Identity-based prejudice
Faith and religion
Parenting
(Non)conformity
Chapter summary
References
4. Lived experience and ‘doing’ community
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Socialising, friendship and seeking intimacy
Friendship families
Safety in numbers
Accessing ‘safe’ spaces
Self-censorship
Activism
Lived experience across the life course
Chapter summary
References
5. Relationships to, within and beyond physical spaces
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Physical space and geographical areas
Relocation
Rural living
Travel and tourism
Groups and services
Online spaces and virtual communities
Chapter summary
References
6. The pleasures and pains of scene spaces
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
The scene as ‘community’
Positive experiences
Scene exclusions
Invasion, choice and ownership
Chapter summary
References
7. Pride spaces, rituals and symbols
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Creating communities?
Safety and freedom
Celebration
Protest
Partying with politics
Commercialism
Alcohol at Pride events
Exclusion
‘Excess’ and ‘extreme’ displays of pride
Chapter summary
References
8. Imagined communities and a sense of belonging
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Belonging and connection
Commonalities, similarities, and mutual understanding
Differences and values
Shared experiences and the ‘bond’ of discrimination?
Chapter summary
References
9. Consequences for wellbeing
Introduction
Overview of existing literature
Impacts on physical and mental health
Seeking support
Friendships, confidence and self-esteem
Finding people ‘like me’
Alcohol, drugs and sex on the scene
Paradoxical spaces
Chapter summary
References
10. Conclusions and implications
References
Appendix: Research methods and participants
Research process and recruitment
Online survey
Interviews and group discussions
Participants
References
About the author
Eleanor Formby is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Education and Inclusion Research at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Summary
The phrase ‘LGBT community’ is often used by policy-makers, service providers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people themselves, but what does it mean? What understandings and experiences does that term suggest, and ignore?
