‘Like a nest of homosexuals:’ tracing homophobia in post-socialist Lithuanian print media (1994–2004)

Abstract

This article examines the historical roots and discursive developments of homophobia in Lithuanian print media from 1994 to 2004, a decade following the decriminalization of homosexuality, and leading up to Lithuania’s accession to the European Union. The article demonstrates how media, largely following Soviet-era stereotypes, linked male homosexuality with disease, secrecy, pedophilia, and Western moral degradation. It shows that since 2000 there was a rise in targeted homophobic campaigns, especially by the Respublika publications group. Furthermore, the Catholic Church’s role as a moral authority opposed to LGBTI rights gradually grew, paving the way for the subsequent rise of anti-gender mobilization.