Date of Graduation

Winter 12-14-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Studies

Department/Program

International Studies

First Advisor

Susana Kaiser

Abstract

Beginning with the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2010 and following up with the passage of the gender identity law of 2012, Argentina has quickly catapulted itself to the forefront of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer) rights in the world. This study sets out to answer a simple question: how did these vast legal changes come about in a country whose LGBTQ citizens are still met with hostility and discrimination? In order to answer this question I look at the ways LGBTQ activists have argued for the civil rights that they have achieved, and measure their success by analyzing hate crimes statistics and public opinion surveys that show how the LGBTQ community is perceived and treated in Argentina. I argue that the goals pursued by the country’s activists support an idea of equality and rights that results from neoliberal policies and the ‘tinting’ effect these policies have on identity politics. I label this generation of activists and political ideas the Lavender Tide, separating them from earlier generations that promoted an agenda that was both wider and more difficult to accomplish.

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