ABSTRACT
This chapter presents research on violence toward sexual and gender minorities in the country of Georgia. Sitting on an outside edge of the European Union, the region continues to represent a cultural “otherness" to the West amid uncertainties over democratic governance, internal ethnic and religious tensions, and challenges in economic development. Within this constantly emerging story is the reemergence of nationalistic and religious loyalties in post-Cold War Europe, which play out in mono-nationalist and pro-natalist positions, often resulting in restrictions on women’s and LGBTQI rights. The story is also one of new entanglements between private and public concerns, including intersections between religion, sexuality, and politics. Contributing to the situation is the continued political and cultural dominance of Russia, which has cracked down on LGBTQ rights and activism in recent years. This chapter surveys (1) the cultural contexts of GBV for LGBTQI people in Georgia; (2) country conditions regarding the society’s efforts to address the problems; and (3) how migration policy, such as gender-based asylum, is a growing player in cross-border relationships regarding these issues. Although centered on the case of Georgia, the chapter also references Georgia’s position vis-à-vis its neighboring Caucasus countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
