Dictatorial rule and sexual politics in Argentina: The case of the Frente de Liberación Homosexual, 1967-1976

Abstract

The Frente de Liberación Homosexual (FLH, 1967-1976) was the first political movement of homosexual men in Argentina. Despite its short life span, this organization set the ground for future developments. The FLH emerged in the context of increasing authoritarianism rather than being the result of a transition to democracy. The relationship with homophobic Peronists and left-wing traditions was, paradoxically, crucial for the emergence of the FLH. Most homosexual activists came from the Left, and they understood homosexual liberation as one aspect of the struggle against capitalism. These activists were highly critical of anticapitalist politics as it existed in Argentina at the time, but they also actively sought to become allies of the expanding New Left during the period. Eventually, however, the 1976-1983 military dictatorship made all forms of dissidence impossible, and the FLH had to dissolve.