Mindre rum, nya gränser och kollektivets underminering. Det nazistiska hotet mot HBTQ-rörelsen

Abstract

Support for right-wing extremist organizations and ideologies has increased in Sweden and other European countries in recent years, expressed for instance in organized Nazi attacks against LGBTQ activists. Against this background, ten LGBTQ activists in Sweden have been interviewed about their experience of such attacks. By using feminist theories on violence and theories on social movements, our analysis shows that such actions are experienced and affect LGBTQ activists differently depending on context. Being part of a collective seems to provide a sense of safety and thus offers protection in instances of direct confrontation. On the other hand, threats against individuals, in particular online, are described as creating prolonged fear and stress. The presence and actions of Nazis affect both the organizations and individuals in the movement; it drains already limited resources, constrains the space for supporting the community and for pursuing policy issues. The threats also produce individual self-regulation, both in public debate participation and in adapting physical appearance to cis- and heteronormative expectations.