Queer in Italy : Navigating Social Exclusion

Abstract

This thesis provides an evaluation and discussion of an academic blog project in which the author explored aspects of Queer life in Italy. The thesis comprises a blog series project and a complimentary reflexive analysis that contextualizes the project, situating it within the broader theoretical framework of Social Exclusion. Additionally, the author demonstrates the power of Autoethnography as a unique tool to expose processes of exclusion. By intertwining analysis of socio-political contexts, personal experiences, and theoretical perspectives, this research strives to expose the multifaceted ways in which discrimination affects Queer people in Italy on an intimate level. The blog entries offer reflections on the limitations of anti-discrimination laws, Queer emigration from Italy, and the ongoing struggle to maintain hope in the face of adversity. This nontraditional thesis employs a participatory approach to research which aims to provide an accessible account of the challenges and barriers faced by Queer individuals in Italy. The research findings highlight the need for further research on the social exclusion of Queer people, particularly with regard to economic dependency, emigration, and hope. This project aims to inform and sensitize readers who do not identify as Queer while affirming the concerns of those who do, promoting allyship and equity for all members of Italian society.