Religious fundamentalism and the LGBTIQ movement in Bosnia-Herzegowina

Abstract

LGBTIQ activism gained traction and more visibility in wider Bosnian-Herzegovinian society after the Bosnian War. Yet, the question remains: Is LGBTIQ activism acknowledged and accepted in a conservative society? How is it received on a political, societal and religious level? What are the views held by religious communities on LGBTIQ activism, human rights and LGBTIQ marches? Considering that Bosnian-Herzegovinian society is strongly characterised by ethno-nationalism and religious fundamentalism, this investigation sets out to establish evidence of resistance against ethno-nationalism and religious fundamentalism.

The findings of this article show that LGBTIQ activism in Bosnia-Herzegovina is met with religious fundamentalism, it recounts how religious communities reacted to the first ever LGBTIQ march in 2019, and reveals examples of resistance against ethno-nationalism and religious fundamentalism.