To Be Equals: Gay Men, Misogyny, and Fascism

• In Event: 3520 - Section on Race, Gender, and Class Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 6. Politics and the State

Abstract

Utilizing archival work from contemporary gay men on the far-right, as well as historical documents from the first white, gay fascist organization in the United States (the National Socialist League), I explore the claimsmaking process of gay men on the far right. In their efforts to gain legitimacy as men they must engage with the ideology of far-right nationalism, in particular with its focus on the reproduction of race and nation.

Attempting to navigate these claims, gay men position themselves as population control, as culture-bearers, or foot-soldiers for the nation. These claims, deeply rooted in eugenic race relations, attempt to carve out political space for gay men’s participation. I explore the different avenues by which gay men orient themselves towards the reproduction of the state and of the “Aryan” population and, in particular, examine the relationship between gay men and women on the far-right; as complementary and contesting groups looking for space within the political and social structure of fascist, white supremacist organizations.

Author

• Blu Buchanan