Abstract

A number of authoritarian states treat Queers with more significant respect. In contrast, a number of other authoritarian states treat Queers with more significant oppression. Among these states, some governments have acted more respectfully towards Queers over time. Uncertainty lies towards what influences persuade authoritarian governments to shift from more oppressive Queer treatment to more respectful Queer treatment. Therefore, the central question of this thesis asks: Why may authoritarian governments act more respectfully towards LGBTQ+ individuals over time? The literature reviewed for this thesis highlighted the usefulness of postmaterialism/modernization theory, soft power theory, and transnational advocacy network (TAN) theory towards answering this question. Based on these theories, this study hypothesizes that heightened GDP per capita, Queer-respecting soft power, Queer-respecting TANs, and a combination of all three influences will cause more Queer-respectful treatment from an authoritarian state. This study is carried out by comparing qualitative and quantitative data on authoritarian governments’ Queer treatment in Cuba, Singapore, and Uganda. Altogether, the data demonstrated that there is partial support to indicate that heightened GDP per capita, Queer-respecting soft power, Queer-respecting TANs, and a combination of all three forces will yield greater acts of Queer respect from an authoritarian state. The implications of this study’s results suggest that, in descending order, a combination of all three forces, Queer-respecting TANs, Queer-respecting soft power, and heightened GDP per capita will help Queer activists produce more acts of Queer respect. Additionally, the academic implications of this study demonstrate that the postmaterial process, soft power, and TANs’ efforts are observable and effective influences. Before the conclusion of this study, recommendations for future research are provided. These recommendations suggest that qualitative and quantitative informational gaps should be filled to help test the support for this study’s hypotheses and results. Additionally, further cases should be studied to further evaluate the support and generalizability for this study’s hypotheses and results.

Advisor

Valdez, John

Department

Global and International Studies

Disciplines

African History | Asian History | Growth and Development | International Relations | Latin American History | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Political History | Sexuality and the Law

Keywords

authoritarian government, Cuba, Singapore, Uganda, Queer rights, postmaterialism, moderization, soft power, transnational advocacy network

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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