| dc.description.abstract | In recent decades sexuality has gained more focus in the public sphere and a connection between sexuality and citizenship has been made, because non-heterosexual movements have started claims for the same status as heterosexuals, protection from discrimination, the right to be themselves in public life, and the right to have legal relationships between same-sex partners. This has led to the introduction of the concept sexual citizenship. However, there are several ideas about sexual citizenship, what it is and entails, and the concept does not have one clear definition. This master thesis looks at the existing ideas about sexual citizenship in the theoretical exploration and attempts to bundle them together. Qualitative interviews with twenty younger (18-30) and older (49-66) non-heterosexuals in the Netherlands will be used to analyse the meaning of sexual citizenship for these two groups. The research question is: What is the meaning of sexual citizenship for younger (18-30) and older (49-66) non-heterosexuals in the Netherlands?
The literature illustrates that sexual citizenship is an extension to citizenship in which sexual rights and sexual identity in private and public life have a crucial role. Firstly, sexual minorities need to have the same rights as heterosexuals. Secondly, they should be able to be recognised and live according to their own sexual identity. Thirdly, since non-heterosexuals need to be able to live their life with their own sexual identity, therefore it is important for them to be open and visibility, because this will increase acceptance from heterosexuals and give LGB's recognition. Fourthly, in order for people to have rights and live according to their sexual identity they need to be able to exercise their rights and be publicly recognised in their deviating identity, this is were acceptance, equality and belonging in the society come into play.
The results show that the meaning of sexual citizenship for Dutch non-heterosexuals is that they should feel completely accepted by and equal to heterosexuals and belonging in their surroundings. Sexual identity is an important part of this, especially for older respondents. Also, the possibility to be open and non-heterosexuals choosing to be open is important for LGB's themselves and, particularly for older respondents, society. Sexual rights seem to be important in so far, that respondents should feel that they are available and that they should not feel excluded from certain rights. Furthermore, a perspective on the future illustrates that sexual citizenship will remain important. Since it is hard to generalise the research further quantitative research based on these results is recommended. Also, because non-heterosexuals respondents with children from a non-heterosexual relationship are under-represented, further research with them is also necessary. Bisexuals sometimes take an interesting position in this master thesis, so they also deserve further research. | |
