Radzhana Buyantueva – författare

This edited collection offers in-depth perspectives into the emergence and development of LGBTQ+ movements in Central and Eastern Europe, including analysis of Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine. The book examines various issues faced by local LGBTQ+ activists, as well as the tactics and strategies which they develop and adopt. The contributors discuss the applicability of Western ideas and concepts to the post-socialist context, considering their ability to fully tackle local nuances and complexities with regards to sexuality and, thus, the dynamics of LGBTQ+ activism. The volume examines differences in the domestic policies of these countries and the consequent effects on LGBTQ+ activism in the region. It also offers important insights into the impact of Western actors in promoting liberal democratic values in the region, and ensuing political and social backlashes.

LGBTQ+ Activism in Central and Eastern Europe will be of interest to students and scholars across a range of disciplines, including Gender and Sexuality Studies, Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science. 

This book draws on social movement theories and rich empirical data to analyze LGBT protest activity in Russia. It offers a critical examination of the conditions under which LGBT protest activity arises and declines in authoritarian states - including state repression and socio-political discrimination of LGBT people; policy changes that negatively affect the LGBT community; and the motivations of the activists themselves. The author argues that a combination of political opportunity structures, resources, and activists’ perceptions establish necessary conditions for protesting. If any of these factors are negatively affected, then LGBT activists would not be motivated to protest. The volume concludes with a discussion of the implications of Russian LGBT activism in hostile conditions.

This book will be of interest to scholars engaged in human rights, social movement studies, gender studies, LGBT rights, and post-Soviet politics and societies.