Rainbow Trap

Rainbow Trap reveals how the fight for LGBTQ equalities in the UK is shaped - and constrained - by the classifications we encounter every day. Looking across six systems - the police and the recording of hate crimes; dating apps and digital desire; outness in the film and television industry; borders and LGBTQ asylum seekers; health and fitness activities; and DEI initiatives in the workplace - Rainbow Trap documents how inclusive interventions - such as new legislation, revamped diversity policies and tech fixes - have attempted to bring historically marginalized communities out of the shadows. Yet, as part of the bargain, LGBTQ people need to locate themselves in an ever-growing list of classifications, categories and labels to ''make sense'' to the very systems they are seeking to access. This requirement to be classified catches LGBTQ communities in a rainbow trap. Because when we look beyond the welcoming veneer of inclusive interventions, we uncover sorting processes that determine what LGBTQ lives are valued and what queer futures are possible.

About the author

Kevin Guyan is a researcher whose work explores the intersection of data and identity, particularly as it relates to LGBTQ people in the UK. He is a Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, and previously worked for a higher education organization that focuses on equality, diversity and inclusion among staff and students in universities and colleges.

Product details

• Authors: Kevin Guyan
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 11.06.2026
• EAN: 9781350631632
• ISBN: 978-1-350-63163-2
• No. of pages: 248
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Social structure research; POLITICAL SCIENCE / Human Rights, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Minority Studies, Of specific Gay & Lesbian interest, Social issues & processes, Sex and sexuality, social aspects, SOCIAL SCIENCE / LGBTQ+ Studies / General, Sexual Behaviour, Relating to Trans / Transgender people or gender minorities, Gender studies: transgender & intersex, Relating to LGBTQIA+ people