In post‑Soviet countries, national myths about liberation, progress or tradition play an important role in shaping societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender.
During the Soviet Union, homosexuality was criminalized and subjected to severe punishment, including imprisonment or forced psychiatric treatment. After its collapse, LGBTQ+ activists have worked hard to challenge these repressive policies and create new narratives that affirm their identities and experiences.
One way that queer memory has played a role in rewriting these national myths is through the creation of personal stories and testimonials. Activists have collected and shared accounts from individuals who experienced persecution under the Soviet regime, which has helped to humanize the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This has also challenged traditional narratives that portray them as deviant or immoral. By making their voices heard, they are able to reclaim their own history and assert their place within society.
Another way that queer memory has been used is through the creation of public memorials and monuments. In some cases, these have served to honor those who were lost due to discrimination or violence, while in others, they have highlighted forgotten figures from LGBTQ+ history. These efforts help to rewrite dominant narratives about progress and liberation, focusing attention instead on marginalized communities that have often been overlooked.
Despite these efforts, however, queer memory remains contested and politicized in many post-Soviet countries. Some conservative groups seek to downplay the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies or minimize the suffering of those affected. Others have sought to appropriate LGBTQ+ identity for political gain or use it to further neo-nationalist agendas. In this context, activists continue to work tirelessly to preserve and promote their history, even as they face opposition and resistance.
Queer memory plays an important role in shaping societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender in post-Soviet countries. It provides a counter-narrative to national myths about progress and tradition, allowing individuals to affirm their identities and experiences.
Its use is not without controversy, and there are still obstacles that must be overcome before it can fully reshape cultural perceptions.
In post‑Soviet countries, how do national myths about liberation, progress or tradition interact with queer activism, and what might be the role of queer memory in rewriting those myths for future generations?
Queer identity is shaped by various historical, cultural, and personal factors that influence an individual's sense of self and belonging. The notion of "national myths" refers to the collective narratives that shape a country's values and beliefs, which are often passed down through generations.