Coming Out of Communism

This “masterful and timely” study shows how homophobic backlash unexpectedly strengthened mobilization for LGBT rights in post-communist Europe (Phillip M. Ayoub, author of When States Come Out: Europe's Sexual Minorities and the Politics of Visibility).

While LGBT activism has increased worldwide, there has been strong backlash against LGBT people in Eastern Europe. Although Russia is the most prominent anti-gay regime in the region, LGBT individuals in other post-communist countries also suffer from discriminatory laws and prejudiced social institutions. Combining an historical overview with interviews and case studies in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, Conor O’Dwyer analyzes the development and impact of LGBT movements in post-communist Eastern and Central Europe. O’Dwyer argues that backlash against LGBT individuals has had the paradoxical effect of encouraging stronger and more organized activism.

As these peripheral Eastern and Central European countries vie for inclusion or at least recognition in the increasingly LGBT-friendly European Union, activist groups and organizations have become even more emboldened to push for change. Using fieldwork in five countries and interviews with activists, organizers, and public officials, O’Dwyer explores the intricacies of these LGBT social movements.

Coming Out of Communism is sure to be a significant work in the study of LGBT politics, European politics, and social movements.

“Readers will learn a great deal about activist groups in those countries, and will understand the role “Europeanization” had on the LGBT movement after the fall of communism . . .This book will best serve graduate students, faculty, and practitioners in politics.” - Choice

“A tour de force.” - Perspectives on Politics

“Keen analysis and intriguing field research.” — Valerie Sperling, author of Sex, Politics, and Putin: Political Legitimacy in Russia

“Compelling and illuminating.” - Slavic Review