Paper short abstract:

The analysis of the LGBTQ community in Tunisia through the lens of liminality provides a profound perspective on power dynamics and processes of change within this marginalized group.

Paper long abstract:

In the context of Tunisia, the LGBTQ community emerges as a marginalized group engaged in a complex experience of social liminality. This liminality is evident in the contrast between deeply ingrained traditional social norms and aspirations for increased recognition and equality. Members of the LGBTQ community navigate a transitional space, situated between persistent marginalization and the quest for full inclusion in Tunisian society.

Individuals identifying as LGBTQ in Tunisia often find themselves on the periphery of social norms, facing stigmatization and discrimination due to their non-conforming sexual orientation or gender identity. This marginalization creates a liminal space where these individuals question cultural expectations and existing social structures. Struggles for recognition and visibility become modern rites of passage, placing the LGBTQ community in a transitional phase where dynamics of resistance and identity assertion emerge.

The liminality of the LGBTQ community in Tunisia is further heightened by the clandestine nature of many non-heteronormative identities. Members of this community often navigate in the shadows, seeking safe and confidential spaces to express their identity. This secrecy creates a state of suspension, where LGBTQ individuals find themselves on the fringes of social norms but simultaneously bound by a community sharing similar experiences. Thus, liminality becomes a meeting ground, forming a communitas within which these individuals negotiate their identity and build strong bonds.