Feminist and LGBTI+ Activism across Russia, Scandinavia and Turkey: Transnationalizing Spaces of Resistance

This book explores transnational struggles for womens and LGBTI+ rights in Russia,Turkey, and the Scandinavian countries, conceptualizing resistance as situated in the grey zone between mundane activist practices and highly visible street protests. It offers new understandings of resistance, solidarity, and activism through rich ethnographic case studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Based on a comprehensive multisited ethnography of feminist and LGBTI+ activism across Russia, Turkey, and the Scandinavian countries, this Open Access book delves into transnational struggles on various levels, ranging from the micro-scale of everyday experiences to large-scale, spectacular events. Drawing on ethnographic insights and encounters from diverse sites, this book conceptualizes resistance as situated in the gray zone between barely perceptible, even hidden or covert, forms of mundane activist practices and highly visible street protests, gathering large crowds. By transcending the dichotomies of visible/invisible and public/private, this book offers novel understandings of resistance, solidarity, and activism in the context of transnationalizing feminist and queer struggles, supported by rich ethnographic case studies from Russia, Scandinavia, and Turkey.

The struggles for womens and LGBTI+ rights in Russia, Turkey, and the Scandinavian countries share several commonalities. Firstly, all three regions have experienced significant historical and cultural oppression of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, with laws and societal norms that have limited their rights and freedoms. Secondly, these struggles have been characterized by a strong sense of activism and advocacy from grassroots organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and promote change.

Despite these similarities, there are also significant differences in the contexts and dynamics of these struggles. For example, Russia has a long history of authoritarianism and political repression, which has made it difficult for feminist and LGBTI+ activists to operate openly and safely. In contrast, Turkey has a more liberal political system, but still faces significant challenges in terms of religious conservatism and social stigma. The Scandinavian countries, on the other hand, have a history of progressive social policies and legal protections for womens and LGBTQ+ rights, which has facilitated greater activism and visibility.

One of the key lessons that actors who struggle for rights and justice in these contexts can learn from each other is the importance of building strong networks and alliances. This includes working with other feminist and LGBTQ+ organizations, as well as with political and social movements that share similar goals. By collaborating and sharing resources and knowledge, activists can increase their impact and reach a wider audience.

Another lesson is the importance of intersectionality in the fight for rights and justice. This means recognizing and addressing the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression and discrimination, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. For example, feminist and LGBTI+ activists in Russia may face discrimination not only on the basis of gender and sexuality, but also on the basis of race, ethnicity, and class. By recognizing and addressing these intersecting forms of oppression, activists can create more effective campaigns and policies that address the root causes of inequality.

Finally, it is important to recognize the power of narrative and storytelling in the struggle for rights and justice. Activists can use their personal experiences and stories to raise awareness and promote change, and to inspire others to join the fight. By sharing their stories and experiences, activists can break down barriers and create a sense of empathy and understanding that can help to build momentum for change.

In conclusion, the struggles for womens and LGBTI+ rights in Russia, Turkey, and the Scandinavian countries share several commonalities, including historical and cultural oppression, strong activism and advocacy, and the importance of building networks and alliances. By learning from each other and recognizing the power of intersectionality and narrative, activists can increase their impact and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030844530
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022