Discourses on Homosexuality in Bulgaria: Societal Attitudes and Scientific Approaches

Nowadays, homosexuality is among the most controversial topics in public debates. In times of rapid globalization and social media, certain new global discourses have emerged. These often approach homosexuality as a homogenous and one-sided phenomenon, not taking into account specific local realities regarding homosexual minorities. Based on a content analysis of social media comments in the period October 2017 – September 2018, this study aims to investigate (1) the main attitudes towards homosexuality based on fears and prejudices; (2) the interchangeable use of the terms „gender“ and „homosexuality“; (3) the notions of LGBTI activism and (4) the deficiency of knowledge in the scientific discourses in Bulgaria. Engaging with the scientific studies of homosexuality, this analysis emphasizes the need of historicization of homosexuality as a tool for a better understanding and overcoming of one-sided interpretations in the scientific and the public discourses.