https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4155-2106
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ABSTRACT
The analysis of LGBT+ memories and identities has been neglected in processes of heritagisation. This is despite numerous attempts undertaken by various institutions to promote a more inclusive notion of heritage, which incorporates cultural diversity and the demands of social sectors that have previously been ignored in heritage policies. This study contributes to the literature by examining the incipient recognition of heritage that contributes to the visibility and normalisation of sexual diversity. We focus on tourism and leisure contexts, which have played an important role in disseminating certain perspectives on sexual diversity. Specifically, we highlight how the confluence of the market, transformations in heritage systems, and ways of depicting the LGBT+ narrative reveals new processes of recognition for LGBT+ heritage. In the process of heritagisation, tourism and leisure serve as narrative pillars of memories and identities. This study explores these aspects by focusing on a Spanish town, Torremolinos, which has become one of the most important international LGBT+ tourist destinations.
Acknowledgments
We are very grateful to those who have participated in this research and especially to the Pasaje Begoña Association. This article has been improved thanks to the comments of Esteban Ruiz Ballesteros and Javier Hernández Ramirez. We would also like to thank the editor, Professor Laurajane Smith, and the thoughtful and constructive comments from anonymous reviewers.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. We use the term LGBT+ as a general term to unify terminology among the multiple names used for sexual dissidents: LGBTI, LGTTTBI, LBGIT, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, queer, etc. We are aware that the use of these denominations may standardise diverse realities, regardless of whether they have a common denominator: the repression experienced by ‘mandatory’ cis/heteronormativity.
2. Along with globalisation, as well as its effects on heritage and tourism and neoliberal expansion, UNESCO has been progressively taking on a central role. This international institution is considered to be the beacon of theoretical reflections and heritage management, influencing state policies directly (Bendix, Eggert, and Peselmann Citation2013).
3. The results of this study are related to two projects secured through public competitions and funded by public research institutions: (1) Gay tourist destinations in Spain: identity, globalisation, and market (PGC2018–095910-B-I00), R&D/Innovation project of Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation, (2) Repression and resistances of sexual dissidents in Andalusia during Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy (UPO‐1264661).
4. The fieldwork involved the temporary displacement of three researchers from the team to Torremolinos at different stages during these four years (2018–2021). These stays were only interrupted during the period of confinement due to COVID-19.
5. All the interviews were conducted with the consent of the participants. To ensure anonymity, any information that could identify the participants has been omitted.
6. Access to the contexts of observation and to the informants was facilitated by two facts: 1) being university researchers and 2) the support of the members of the Pasaje Begoña Association, who promoted the heritagisation process. The information obtained through interviews and direct observation was triangulated with the review of judicial archives, and press publications.
7. The Asociación Pasaje Begoña was formed in 2018 to encompass diverse people who shared a common objective: the establishment of LGBT+ heritage in Torremolinos.
8. This slogan, used by the Asociación Pasaje Begoña, has been widely used in the media, seeking parallels with Stonewall, although there are significant differences.
9. The activities carried out by Asociación Pasaje Begoña can be seen at https://pasajebegona.com/ Last viewed 01/04/2022.
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Notes on contributors
José María Valcuende Del Río
José María Valcuende del Río (ORCID: 0000-0003-1161-2611). Professor of Social Anthropology, assigned to the Department of Social Anthropology, Psychology and Public Health of the Pablo de Olavide University (Seville/Spain). He is currently coordinator of the Ibero-American Network for the Sociohistorical Study of Sexualities (Red LIESS), made up of 180 researchers from Latin American, European and North American universities. His latest research has focused on sexual diversity, multiculturalism and environmental representations. He has carried out fieldwork in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. He is currently the head researcher of the TURGAIES project, financed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain, which analyzes the evolution of LBGT+ tourism in the Spanish case. He has several books and articles published in journals such as the Journal of Political Ecology, Sexualities, Animals, Material of Culture, Estudios Atacameños, Chungara, AIBR, Cadernos PAGU.
Rafael Cáceres-Feria
Rafael Cáceres-Feria (ORCID: 0000-0002-9471-1211), holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Seville. Associate Professor at the Department of Social Anthropology, Psychology and Public Health (Academic Area of Social Anthropology) of the University of Pablo de Olavide (Seville, Spain). He has carried out fieldwork in Spain, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. His research interest are the fields of sexuality, gender, tourism, and flamenco music. He is currently the principal investigator of a project financed by the Junta de Andalucía (Regional Government of Andalucía) with FEDER funds, about repression of homosexuality in Andalusia (Spain): “Repression of sexual dissidents in Andalusia during the franco regime and the transition”. He has papers published in scientific journals as Sexualities, Animals, Tourism Management, Material Culture, Sociologia Ruralis, Journal of Rural Studies …
Victoria Quintero-Morón
Victoria Quintero-Morón (ORCID: 0000-0002-4155-2106) – holds a PhD in social anthropology and is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) in Seville (Spain). Her research topics focus on cultural and natural heritage and, related to them, environmental anthropology, ICH and social participation, with emphasis on gender perspective. She has published several books and papers on these topics. Last co-authored papers include “Gender and women in the governance of silvopastoral systems” (Routledge: London, 2021); “Multi-Ontological Dissonances and ICH Safeguarding Practices: The Case of the Patios in Cordova.” (Slovenský Národopis, 2021); “Patrimonio inmaterial y memorias plurales: historias del patrimonio, olvidos y oportunidades de futuro” (AIBR, 2022).