Open AccessQueering participatory planning
Author(s) -
Vanesa Castán Broto
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
environment and urbanization
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.522
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1746-0301
pISSN - 0956-2478
DOI - 10.1177/09562478211019377
Subject(s) - queer , human sexuality , citizen journalism , sociology , politics , gender studies , identity (music) , participatory planning , sexual identity , public relations , population , political science , economic growth , aesthetics , law , economics , philosophy , demography
All over the world, people suffer violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Queer theory has linked the politics of identity and sexuality with radical democracy experiments to decolonize development. Queering participatory planning can improve the wellbeing of vulnerable sectors of the population, while also enhancing their political representation and participation. However, to date, there has been limited engagement with the politics of sexuality and identity in participatory planning. This paper identifies three barriers that prevent the integration of queer concerns. First, queer issues are approached as isolated and distinct, separated from general matters for discussion in participatory processes. Second, heteronormative assumptions have shaped two fields that inform participatory planning practices: development studies and urban planning. Third, concrete, practical problems (from safety concerns to developing shared vocabularies) make it difficult to raise questions of identity and sexuality in public discussions. An engagement with queer thought has potential to renew participatory planning.