From Tabooization to Privatization of Homosexuality [A Preface]

• Published in: Druzboslovne razprave Vol. 21; no. 49-50; pp. 103 - 106
• Main Author: Svab, Alenka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Slovenian
• Published: 01.08.2005
• Subjects: Discrimination; Family Life; Homophobia; Homosexuality; Private Sphere; Slovenia; Stigma; Taboos
• ISSN: 0352-3608

An introduction to a special thematic section of the journal presenting essays devoted to gay & lesbian studies by Slovene authors. The underdeveloped state of gay & lesbian research in Slovenia is recognized, pointing out the scarcity of empirical data & lack of a comprehensive approach to both their collection & analysis. Survey results on public attitude toward homosexuals published by N. Tos et al (1999 & 2002) are mentioned. The longitudinal research project "Druzinski in socialni konteksti zivljenja istospolno usmerjenih v Sloveniji" (The Family and Social Contexts of Homosexuals' Life in Slovenia), carried in the years 2002-2004 in collaboration with Roman Kuhar, is reported, discussing briefly its quantitative & qualitative methodology (questionnaire, focus group, & policy analysis) & presenting some of the findings. It is pointed out that the neglect of this topic in the academia is reflected in the political domain where no legislative attention to issues of discrimination & equality of this population segment is given. Stigmatization, homophobia, homosexuality as a social & family taboo, & privacy "banishment" of closet homosexuals are mentioned as pertinent to the topics of articles assembled in this special thematic section, whose individual contributions are outlined. Z. Dubiel