Paper short abstract:

In this paper we propose to think about the relationship between place, space, identity and sexual dissidence through the analysis of the appropriation of different places by LGTB activism which provoke different visibilities, forms of sociability and social interactions.

Paper long abstract:

After the publication in 1995 of the canonic text Mapping Desire, coordinated by David Bell and Gill Valentine (New York, Routledge) many researches have focused on the issue of sexualities/cartographies of space. Questioning the heterosexualisation of space and the queering of space (as for example in Halberstam (2005) -In a queer time and place- and E. Grosz (1995) -Space, Time and Perversion), we want to deal with grass-root LGTB activism and occupation of space. Place-and locality building have been determinant for the construction and visibilisation and recognition of LGTB non-stigmatised identities through occupation of physical space and occupation of cyberspace. In the first case we will consider the different venues LGTB associations have in Madrid, their activities and their roles in organizing identity-related events thus enacting particular forms of sociabilities. We will also consider Madrid Pride route, in relation to activism and sociopolitical contexts. Activism and parading are supported by a strong territorialized neighbourhood, unique in Southern Europe. We also want to pay some attention to activist appropriation of cyberspace and the means by which forms of identity and sociability are constructed in this setting. Through the discussion about the relationship between social movements -particularly LGTB movements- and their increasing use of space (physical, metaphorical), we want to focus not only on issues related to identity and visibility but also aim to discuss the equation that reads that occupation of space- visibility means social tolerance /acceptance or compromise with the movements's philosophies.