Double-edged Swords? Party Ideology, Activism, and Visibility in the Careers of Italian LGBT+ Politicians

Abstract

This article analyzes the careers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) politicians in Italy, focusing on the dual role of party affiliation, visibility, and the relationship with LGBT+ organized activism. Qualitative analysis of twenty-two semi-structured interviews with out LGBT+ politicians shows that party affiliation, activism, and personal openness can both advance and hinder their careers, depending on contextual and individual circumstances. Across left- and right-wing parties alike, LGBT+ politicians can both be favored in the stage of candidate selection due to the opportunistic need of “ticking the LGBT+ box” and face discrimination from party élites and members. Further, while the support of organized activism can legitimize LGBT+ candidates, some interviewees found it uninfluential or, especially if trans, outright lacking. Finally, while local-level intensified visibility can serve as both a protective mechanism and a valuable condition for acceptance in smaller communities, body “hypervisibility” can expose some LGBT+ politicians to harmful political attacks.