Comparative Politics|Human Rights|International Relations and Politics|Politics|Public Policy|Social Policy

human rights|social movements|public opinion|legal mobilization|representation

The module examines the role of sexual orientation and gender identity in politics drawing on multidisciplinary research on social movements, transnational...

The module examines the role of sexual orientation and gender identity in politics drawing on multidisciplinary research on social movements, transnational rights advocacy, identity politics, public opinion and political behaviour, as well as regional studies. The rapid global expansion of LGBTIQ rights in recent decades—as well as changes in law, policy, and public opinion toward LGBTIQ and queer people—has been nothing short of remarkable. At the same time, recent years have shown heightening global resistance to these rights in the name of “traditional values.” This module is designed to gain leverage on the domestic and international processes that explain such changes. In this module, you will develop a solid understanding of the origins of LGBTIQ mobilization and the political forces that shaped the evolution of LGBTIQ movements and their strategies. Together, we will explore when and why LGBTIQ people organized for civil rights, what strategies they pursued, and how they navigated complex cultural, legal, and political terrains. The module will also explore the impact of LGBTIQ mobilization on various outcomes; for example, policymaking, electoral politics, representation, and litigation for queer rights. Drawing on a comparativist toolkit, we will ask: why and how have public opinion and state laws towards LGBTIQ people changed differently across various countries? What explains the variation in how LGBTIQ movements pursue change across different regions and what impact does the global rise of populism have on LGBTIQ rights around the world? To answer these questions, we will analyse the political history of a movement that has captured the world’s attention, and theories that help us understand the factors that have moved a marginalized group from the political periphery to the centre of public debate and contestation. 