Homophobia and Patriarchy in Nicaragua: A Few Ideas to Start a Debate

Abstract

Reflecting on a 25?year?old study on cultural constructions of same?sex sexual relations between men in Nicaragua, which described a submissive–dominant – or cochón–cochonero – model, this article contrasts this notion with more recent gay identities that have emerged in urban Nicaragua in particular, and which now coexist alongside the more traditional model. Despite many LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups having emerged in the country, patriarchy is proving resilient and adaptive in surprising ways. Although important victories have been achieved on a global and national scale, culturally and legislatively, in relation to equal rights for LGBT people, this article argues that such advances do not necessarily mean that the intensely andocentric character of patriarchy itself has been significantly challenged or altered. In the struggle for equal rights for all, the models and dynamics of patriarchal power and how they manifest themselves within LGBT organisations, families and relations must also be addressed … and undressed.