Resisting heteronormativity through counter spaces

This thesis explores the ways spaces can enable a contestation of gender norms for a queer counterpublic in Rotterdam. To do so, 14 conversations were held with queer people and seven spaces were visited and observed which were named by the informants as enabling a contestation of gender norms. This article shows that counter spaces are necessary and essential for people to contest gender norms. They provide a place where people can connect and find other people of the queer counterpublic, leading to more confidence in their own identity. This is achieved through creating a space where they can be safe to explore and experiment with gender expression and queerness and inspire each other through their contestation. The spaces contribute to this through their physical materialities, the people and community present, and their policies and organizing practices. By examining how counter spaces challenge normative gender constructions, this research contributes to queer and feminist theories aimed at deconstructing and abolishing restrictive gender norms and binaries.