Anti-Gender and Anti-LGBTQI Mobilization in Georgia

In parallel to the rising populism, the manipulation of public opinion around gender and LGBTQI identity-related topics has become a challenge not only in terms of human rights but in politics as well. Harmful information, which by appealing to sensitive topics, aims at creating public confrontation, influencing its values and political systems, poses a threat to society and is often related to foreign information interventions, as well as polarization within the country. Along with the anti-liberal discourse, targeted discreditation campaigns against political opponents, journalists, and activists are also prevalent, which are being carried out by anonymous and malicious actors.

The purpose of the following study is to identify the anti-gender and anti-liberal discourse in Georgia, as well as to map the main actors who try to securitize identity-related issues to mobilize public opinion on these topics.

Part I of the report reviews the quantitative data and terminology of sexist hate speech/gender stereotyping and homophobia, followed by a qualitative analysis based on the same indicators in Part II. Part III maps the main messages disseminated to mobilize society around identity, values, the institution of the family and the protection of children. Part IV reviews the legislation that anti-liberal groups advocate for revision or initiation. Part V brings together individual examples of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), as well as selected examples of gender-based disinformation identified during the monitoring process. The final part provides information about the key actors, who happened to incite sexist language, homophobia, and anti-liberal sentiments the most.


Authors: TAMAR KINTSURASHVILI, TINATIN GOGOLADZE
Data analysis: MARIAM TSUTSKIRIDZE, SALOME GIUNASHVILI, SANDRO GIGAURI
Media Monitors: TAMAR GAGNIASHVILI, SOPO CHKHAIDZE, MAIA CHALAGHANIDZE, MARIAM KAVTARADZE, SOPO GOGADZE
Design: BESIK DANELIA, IBdesign
Cover: JORM SANGSORN, Shutterstock
Link: Anti-Gender and Anti-LGBTQI Mobilization in Georgia