Leiden University Student Repository

Taraldsen, Ida R. (2015)

Who Are You Wearing? - An exploration of expressions of identity & vestimentary codes among gay men in Cape Town, South Africa

Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)

This master thesis explores expressions of identity among gay men in Cape Town, South Africa by analysing and discussing vestimentary codes and issues around gender and identity. Four chapters focusing on various aspects of gay social life in Cape Town; The ‘gay-village’ of De Waterkant, the annual celebration of LGBTQI Pride, the yearly costume party MCQP (Mother City Queer Project) and the more obscure ‘Gat Parties’ of the northern suburbs of Cape Town, paints a picture of gay life in Cape Town, both contemporary and historically. Theoretical influences such as Roland Barthes, Judith Butler and Anne Fausto-Sterling alongside writers on gay lives in South Africa such as Mark Gevisser and Bradley M. Rink provide a strong backbone to this thesis, while questions surrounding gender, sexuality and identity are always at the forefront.

African Studies

Gender

Vestimentary codes

South Africa

LGBTQI

Author

Taraldsen, Ida R.

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Wels, H.

ECTS Credits

25

Language

en