ABSTRACT

Although the formation and development of LGBTIQ movements take their own path in various nation states and regions of the world, there is no denying the influence of Western and other developed nations’ LGBTIQ movements. From rights claims that at once can offer protection and stigmatizing identities to equality initiatives such as same-sex marriage that aspire to homonormative standards. Such developed initiatives sharply contrast agendas of LGBTIQ decriminalization and protection from serious persecutions in many nation states in which LGBTIQs are not formally recognized. The latter extends itself in our transnational world regarding the plight of LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees. An uncritical look at the achievements of developed LGBTIQ movements can come across as ‘progressive’ symbolizing societies that are ‘inclusive’ of LGBTIQs. Such notions will be problematized with a nuanced in-depth examination of the political agendas that inform such priorities and will critically expose the implications such homonormative agendas have, not only on developed LGBTIQ movements, but their influence on developing LGBTIQ movements in various nation states and regions internationally. The implications of such ‘developments’ will be critiqued using a queer liberation perspective that seeks broader freedoms, beyond what cisgendered and heterosexual society socially sanctions as ‘acceptable’ and ‘respectable.’