In the 2010s, London’s LGBTQ+ scene was hit by extensive venue closures. For some, this represented the increased inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in society. For others, it threatened the city’s status as a ‘global beacon of diversity’ or merely reaffirmed the hostility of London’s neoliberal landscapes.

Navigating these competing realities, Olimpia Burchiellaro explores the queer politics of LGBTQ+ inclusion in London. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted with activists, professionals and LGBTQ-friendly businesses, the author reveals how gender and sexuality come to be reconfigured in the production and consumption of LGBTQ+ inclusion and its promises.

Giving voice to queer perspectives on inclusion, this is an important contribution to our understanding of urban policy, nightlife, neoliberalism and LGBTQ+ politics.

• Research Focus: Olimpia Burchiellaro conducts ethnographic research with activists, professionals, and LGBTQ-friendly businesses to explore these dynamics.
• Reconfiguration of Identity: Investigates how gender and sexuality are reshaped in the contexts of LGBTQ+ inclusion and its promises.
• Queer Perspectives: Amplifies queer voices on inclusion, providing valuable insights into urban policy, nightlife, neoliberalism, and LGBTQ+ politics.
• Significance: Contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding LGBTQ+ inclusion in urban environments.