“Plausible” subjects and missing resources: An intersectional reading of gender-based violence in LGBT relationships

Journal title WELFARE E ERGONOMIA
Author/s Elisa Begnis, Maria Urso, Simone Tuzza, Martina Lo Cascio, Sandra Sicurella, Cirus Rinaldi
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2025/2
Language Italian Pages 16 P. 51-66 File size 130 KB
DOI 10.3280/WE2025-002004
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Cultural shifts and feminist political struggles have led to a transformation in the analysis of gender-based violence, moving from its earlier conceptualization as an ‘exception’ ‒ to be addressed through individual responses ‒ toward an understanding of it as a structural and systemic phenomenon. This paper offers a sociological analysis of systemic gaps and innovative strategies to address the emerging needs of LGBT subjects, based on fieldwork conducted in Emilia-Romagna and Sicilia. The study explores how “plausible subjects” are constructed and recognized in public discourse and services addressing violence. Over 50 in-depth interviews were carried out with legal professionals, psychologists, activists, and staff at anti-violence and perpetrator intervention centers. Findings reveal a gap between institutional responses and grassroots initiatives, as well as a lack of adequate resources for “non-plausible” subjects ‒ those excluded due to sexuality, gender identity, or ethnicity. Adopting a queer and intersectional lens, the analysis highlights how class and race shape the very definition of violence, offering insights to reconfigure services and policies toward greater inclusivity.

Keywords: gender-based violence; LGBT subjectivities; intersectionality; victimisation.

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Elisa Begnis, Maria Urso, Simone Tuzza, Martina Lo Cascio, Sandra Sicurella, Cirus Rinaldi, Soggetti “plausibili” e risorse mancanti: una lettura intersezionale della violenza di genere in relazioni LGBT in "WELFARE E ERGONOMIA" 2/2025, pp 51-66, DOI: 10.3280/WE2025-002004