Nation(alism) and Queer: Considering the Intersectional Experience of Chinese Queer Diaspora in London

• In Event: Sociology of Sexualities Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2: Sexuality, the State, and Religion

Abstract

Queer diaspora has recently received much academic attention, but its relationship with intersectionality and nationalism is still underestimated. Through conducting 22 semi-structured interviews with Chinese queer diaspora in London, this study aims to understand their intersectional experience. Intersectionality is a dynamic process rather than a static situation, and it is not singular with one identity that changes independently, but rather multiple with several different identities (gender, sexuality, race, national identity, etc.) intertwined with each other and changing simultaneously. It could be a passive reaction to the exposure of the new social structure but also be utilized as a subjective effort to adapt to the social structure. By working with the Chinese queer diaspora in London, I will specifically discuss one situation: when national identity and queer identity intersectiaonlly intertwine with each other. This study finds that homonationalism from the Global North can motivate the queer diaspora from the Global South, while its subsequent disillusionment may lead to a "decline" of queer identity. Simultaneously, under the impact of racialization and nationalization, reactionary nationalism can also stimulate queer diaspora to experience an increase in their nationalist identification. When these dual changes in queer identity and national identity have intertwined with each other, they may facilitate the emergence of a new subjectivity as "Chinese queer diaspora", and also the development of transnational feminist queer activism.

Author

• Jifei Jiang, Duke University