Leaving war and the closet? Exploring the varied experiences of LGBT ex-combatants in Colombia

Leaving war and the closet? Exploring the varied experiences of LGBT ex-combatants in Colombia

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Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes have been acknowledged as a crucial part of peacebuilding initiatives and the importance of ensuring that they are gender responsive has been increasingly recognized by the international community.However, policy guidance has failed to include ex-combatants who do not conform to a narrow, binary understanding of gender and make no reference to sexual and gender minorities.Similarly, LGBT excombatants have been overlooked by scholars 8 Piece Full Bookcase Bed Bedroom Package and very little is known of their experiences as they transition to civilian life.

This article explores the varied experiences of LGBT ex-combatants who have been part of three different armed groups in Colombia.Using SHOPSTORM_HIDDEN_PRODUCT semi-structured interviews with ex-combatantsfrom the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the 19th of April Movement (M-19) and the United Self-Defenders of Colombia (AUC), this article shows how DDR processes may generate significant and rapid transformations for sexual and gender minorities.The article also outlines particular challenges faced by LGBT ex-combatants.

In conclusion, I argue that policy makers and researchers should incorporate a gender perspective in DDR that moves beyond a narrow, binary understanding of gender in order to respond to the needs, ensure the participation, and protect the rights of LGBT ex-combatants.