3.Naples, Sexual Diversity and Self-Orientalism: Femminielli as a Case Study

Marco Ruggieri December 22, 2025 Issue: g/s/i 11 (2025) Category: Themed Section

by Marco Ruggieri

This article examines the figure of the femminiello, a complex sexual identity rooted in the Naples area and now gradually disappearing. It challenges the common claim that femminielli have always been accepted within Neapolitan society—one often framed as liminal and in opposition to North-Western hegemony. The femminielli’s very existence has frequently been cited as proof of Southern Italy’s (Naples’ in particular) supposed innate inclusivity.

9.Southern Speculations on the Mediterranean Beach

Sergio Rigoletto December 22, 2025 Issue: g/s/i 11 (2025) Category: Invited Perspectives, Videos

Video presentation by Sergio Rigoletto (click on the link to start the video)

This position paper critically engages with the formulation “New Queer South” that gives the title to a recent special issue of gender/sexuality/Italy. It proposes to think about the queer south as a speculative geography in contradistinction to the dominant imaginary of the nation and the necropolitical border regime of Fortress Europe. Focusing on the Mediterranean beach as a spectral archive,

gender/sexuality/italy

Tag: south

3.Naples, Sexual Diversity and Self-Orientalism: Femminielli as a Case Study

9.Southern Speculations on the Mediterranean Beach

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