By Beka Gabadadze (queer activist, Chairperson at Queer Association – TEMIDA”)

It has been a decade since the violent attack on queer activists that occurred on May 17, 2013, during the International Day of Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in Georgia. The incident took place in Tbilisi’s central square, where a few dozen queer activists were met with hostility from hundreds of thousands of followers of the Georgian Orthodox Church and ultra-right hate groups.

Since then, Georgian society has made significant progress in building bridges of solidarity and tolerance. A year after the incident, the country passed anti-discrimination legislation, and in the past six years, there has been a 20-25% decrease in negative attitudes towards the LGBT community.

Despite this progress, the queer community has once again been subjected to manipulation and instrumentalization this year. The ruling party, which is facing severe alienation from society, has started an anti-gender discourse and accused the queer community of “propaganda”.

In recent times, the ruling political force in Georgia has displayed evident signs of political homophobia, which is a dangerous and complex phenomenon that requires recognition and exposure.

This political homophobia has both political and social dimensions, and it has been used by marginalized forces in the past. However, in recent years, the current government has openly displayed political homophobia, which is a litmus test for authoritarianism.

Political compiler

The political compiler of this homophobia aims to mobilize conservative voters around the ruling political force and distract attention from the real political, economic, and social problems in society. By oppressing LGBTQ+ individuals, governments and other political actors can reinforce existing power structures and maintain their own privileged position in society.

Geopolitical Compiler

The Russian Federation, which has occupied Georgian territories, is trying to present itself as a defender of traditional values and opposed to the collective West, where the LGBTQ+ movement has made equality of human rights plausible. However, in recent years, Russia has passed a series of draconian laws against LGBTQ+ individuals, causing many to flee the country for fear of prison, violence, and death.

Russian influence on Georgian politics has increased, and the Georgian government has been making gestures of goodwill towards Russia. If the government were to initiate laws against fundamental human rights in parliament, it would sabotage Georgia’s accession to the European Union. The European Union is founded on the protection of the rights of all groups, and any actions that undermine these values will be met with opposition.

It is worth noting that this geopolitical situation is not unique, and LGBTQ+ rights are under attack in many parts of the world due to the influence of other actors of homophobic rhetoric.

The impact of political homophobia

The impact of political homophobia on the social existence of LGBTQ people is alarming. Over the years, there has been a positive dynamic towards equality issues. However, the current space for LGBTQ citizens to cooperate with institutions to protect their rights is gradually decreasing. Political homophobia is already being heard by the government, and this gives green light for state institutions to create homo/transphobic policies. Participation in congresses of ultra-right forces and homo/transphobic public statements of the prime minister will also reduce the positive dynamics of the change of public sentiments.

Strategies

To stop political homophobia, activists and democratic, progressive forces can advocate for policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. The media and activists must expose discursive violence and hold those involved accountable, including through legal and media means. Education and awareness campaigns to dispel stereotypes and myths about LGBTQ+ people must be promoted. It is important to mobilize resources to create services, safe spaces, and support networks. The responsibility for political and social homophobia and discursive violence lies with those who engage in and promote such behaviors, as well as those who support and enable them, such as political leaders, religious figures, and the media.