gender<ed> thoughts Y. 3/2026 - Mawjoudin and the Politics of Queer Artivism in Post-Revolution Tunisia: Reclaiming Spaces, Amplifying
Voices, and Redefining Identities (2019–2024) by Jasser Hammami
This study explores the dynamic evolution of queer artivism in post-revolution Tunisia from 2019 to 2024, focusing on the pioneering efforts of the NGO Mawjoudin. Against a backdrop of legal and social constraints, the research examines how artistic activism has transformed public expression and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Through a comparative analysis of key milestones, including the 2019 Mawjoudin Queer Film Festival, IDAHOBIT drag performances, RightsCon showcases, and the 2024 Tunisian Queer Residency, the paper traces a trajectory from discreet acts of defiance to bold, digitally amplified cultural interventions. Employing participant observation and digital content analysis, this study reveals how Mawjoudin’s strategies have evolved to reclaim physical spaces, amplify digital visibility, and blend local and global cultural elements. These shifts illustrate a growing confidence in public expression while navigating persistent challenges posed by Tunisia’s legal framework and societal norms. The findings highlight how artivism serves as both a tool for resistance and a medium for reimagining queer identities in restrictive environments. By situating these developments within broader socio-political transformations in Tunisia, this research contributes to understanding how marginalised communities adapt their activism to shifting contexts. It underscores the role of creative practices in fostering resilience and advancing rights in post-revolutionary societies.
Keywords
Queer Artivism; Post-Revolution Tunisia; Mawjoudin; Spatial Politics; Temporary Safe Space; Criminalisation of Queer Identities; Cultural Hybridity; Digital Activism
With a commentary by Hossein Cheaito.