On July 3, the Democracy Research Institute held a presentation of the results of its 18-month observation of the main actors of the anti-gender movement in social and online media. Observation shows that the main actors of anti-gender discourse in Georgia are representatives of Georgian Dream, its satellite political forces, openly pro-government media platforms and far-right groups. If before the reporting period, homophobic and anti-gender rhetoric was a niche of far-right groups, today it has been completely taken over by Georgian Dream.

The ruling party’s open movement in the far-conservative direction has become especially visible ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, further outlining the identical contours of the anti-gender and homophobic discourse of Georgian Dream and the violent, far-right wing. The political vocabulary and rhetoric of these groups have become so similar that it is often difficult to identify the source of anti-gender and homophobic campaigns.

Attempts by far-right groups and the authorities to manipulate public opinion with gender and LGBTIQ+ identity issues are increasing over time. Homophobic rhetoric is evident in public and political discussions, which is largely developing amidst the political homophobia launched by the authorities. Sexist expressions of the government representatives, verbal attacks on the female opposition MPs and the President of Georgia have been particularly noteworthy in the recent period.

The report reviews the changing homophobic and sexist rhetoric of the authorities as a leading anti-gender actor and other major far-right groups; describes the anti-gender legislative initiatives and related political/social discussions; analyzes discrediting campaigns directed against female politicians, disinformation and manipulative media content. The final part of the report contains the main findings of the reporting period and relevant recommendations.

Anti-gender rhetoric and gender stereotypes in social media

Anti-gender rhetoric and gender stereotypes in social media (Analysis of in-depth interviews )