Author: Nádia Elisa Meinerz
ISBN: 9788575112106
In recent decades, LGBT movements have achieved a series of victories in their struggles for the recognition of human rights and for reducing the stigma associated with different sexual orientations and gender identities. In line with this social and political movement, academia has also contributed to promoting a more positive visibility of homosexualities and gender differences. The work of a considerable number of researchers on the topic of sexual diversity has resulted in a body of theories, methodologies, and analyses that have guided progressive policies and actions, reinforcing solidarity with LGBT populations in their pursuit of social justice.
Nádia Meinerz’s work aligns with this aspiration. With theoretical and methodological rigor, and the strength of her passion for the topic, Nádia documents and analyzes—through ethnographic research—the daily life of a network of lesbian women in the city of Porto Alegre in the early 2000s. In her research, she observes how these women relate to one another, how they construct their social and sexual identities, and how they update and negotiate social and political values and representations related to female homosexuality.
Originally conceived as a master’s thesis, her work is of interest both to students and researchers and to readers outside the academic world, as it analyzes how a specific group of women position themselves in relation to the new visibilities proposed by LGBT movements and to the social representations of homosexualities traditionally disseminated in Brazilian society. The elegance and clarity of her writing draw readers closer to the phenomena analyzed, making the reading a pleasure for all those interested.
Veriano Terto Jr. holds a PhD in Public Health and is the General Coordinator of the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA).