LGTBIQ+ Victimization in Massive Leisure Contexts: an explorwtory analysis of Feria de Jerez

Abstract

Objective: The latest official data showed an alarming increase in LGTBIQ+ hate crimes in Cadiz. In general, massive leisure contexts are susceptible to be ideal spaces for these aggressions to take place. More specifically, celebrations with an important folkloric meaning and cultural tradition are contexts given to the (re)production of the most immovable gender stereotypes, strongly rooted in heteropatriarchal behaviour patterns. This paper analyzes the victimization suffered by people who identify as LGBTIQ+ within a specific mass entertainment context, the Feria de Jerez. Data/Methods: Data collected from an online survey of people who attended the 2019 Feria de Jerez (N=648) were implemented. Descriptive analyses were performed to test our hypotheses. Results: These confirmed that: 1) Men are the most prevalent offenders; 2) Harassment and intimidation were the most prevalent incidents; 3) Night and early morning are the most prevalent times; 4) Casetas are the most prevalent places. Discussion: These results fit with the Routine Activity Theory (Cohen and Felson, 1979) as we were able to find that for all incidents, there was a motivated offender, a suitable target and the absence of a capable guardian. The high levels of victimization of certain groups could be analyzed from crime patterns as defined by Bratingham and Bratingham (1984). But it is also necessary to include the contexts of mass leisure as crime generator places in this theory.