Abstract
Drawing on Foucault’s concept of heterotopia (2008) and power relations (1982), this paper explores the duality of heterotopias in Poland. Starting with an examination of the coexistence of LGBT-free zones and queer spaces, it navigates the intricate interplay between political dynamics, space and societal norms in Poland. Queerness and heterotopia are linked by their shared tendency to challenge norms and create alternative spaces. However, the idea of LGBT-free zones in Poland could be seen as an attempt to create a heterotopic space within the larger social context as well. These zones, proclaimed by certain municipalities in Poland, have aimed to oppose or reject LGBT ideals and rights by marking a space where certain norms or values differ significantly from those of the wider society. By June 2020, nearly one third of Poland had become known as an ‘LGBT-free zone’, which poses a question: How big heterotopia can become?
Understanding the political dimensions adds layers to the discussion, highlighting how heterotopias are not just isolated spaces, but are deeply embedded in the larger socio-political landscape, reflecting and influencing power relations within society.
Understanding the political dimensions adds layers to the discussion, highlighting how heterotopias are not just isolated spaces, but are deeply embedded in the larger socio-political landscape, reflecting and influencing power relations within society.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 58-63 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Atlantis |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-careOtherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.