Understanding the phenomena of using a gender inverted discourse and feminine nicknames in the male homosexual community in Lebanon

Abstract

The use of gender-inverted (feminine) discourse and feminine nicknames are two common phenomena observed within the Lebanese male homosexual community. While little is known about these phenomena, this study tries to explore the possible factors that lead to their existence and the psychological impact of using such phenomena on an individual level and a group level. It was studied based on three focus groups (comprised of seven individuals) and three individual semi-structured interviews (for a total of 24 participants). The responses provided were analyzed based on an iterative-based approach of thematic and content analysis within a psychoanalytic framework. The study highlighted the psychological outcomes of these phenomena on an individual and a communal level. On an individual level, these phenomena are possibly linked to the presence of the Other in the subjective existence of an individual and it is symbolization. Whereas, on a group level, the use of a genderinverted discourse could serve as a "totem" for this community and to revolt against the patriarchal society, while nicknames are the symbolization of this totem as a reclamation of the negativized names.