ABSTRACT

Imaginations of existential threat do not only express themselves in exceptional actions – as prominently suggested by securitization theory – but also in routine, day-to-day practices. They can become a part of ‘normal’ life. We demonstrate this by following the everyday activities of individuals from the Lyuli as well as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Kyrgyzstan. Individuals from both groups actively and consciously secure themselves by employing a mix of practices that range from deterrence and open confrontation to avoidance, adaptation and hiding tactics. For the purpose of tracing and discussing these activities, our article develops and applies the innovative concept of securityscapes.