Identidade gay e lésbica: estratégias e tácticas usadas pelos homossexuais para contrapor o estigma e marginalização social na cidade de Maputo

Abstract

This study examines the strategies and tactics used by homosexuals to counteract stigmatization and social marginalization. As specific objectives, the study seeks to understand the construction process of homosexual identity; Understand how it is managed and is made manipulation of gay identity in heterosexual spaces of sociability; Identify spaces of sociability and gay; analyze the process of production and reproduction “ gay culture”. To this end, the study was conducted in Maputo, precisely at Lambda Association, where apart from finding homosexuals, is a space of sociability, interaction and entertainment. We had theoretical support, the approach advocated by Stigma Goffman (1988), part of the theory of symbolic interactionism. We combine this support qualitative methodology, based on the method Ethnomethodology, hypothetical-deductive approach, semi- structured interviews and observation in the field of analysis. Our argument has assumed that Mozambican society has as standard normative heterosexuality, homosexuality and not part of the accepted norm is considered socially deviant behavior and so homosexuals are stigmatized by society. However, these alternatives are stigmatized individuals to take their wishes into practice and experience, fair or not, sexual and emotional relationships with people of the same sex. The results showed that stigma and marginalization are barriers in the process of social interaction, so homosexuals adopting strategies and tactics to counter stigma and social marginalization. Among which the self-assertion of identity, disguise or concealment, manipulation of identity, intragroup alignment, creating spaces of sociability and social networks. These strategies allow homosexuals to do with management of their identity according to social context or space in which it is inserted, to enable social interaction