Is it illegal to be gay in Dubai?

How does a sense of belonging emerge in a locale where one's existence is proscribed? That is the central inquiry of Dr. Centner and Manoel Pereira Neto's groundbreaking study of the expatriate gay men's nightlife in Dubai.

But this research presented particular challenges. Dr. Centner elucidates: "Homosexuality, or rather same-sex relationships, constitutes a criminalized identity, behavior, and practice; hence, a socially tabooed subject. Frequently, taboo topics receive scant scholarly attention, partly due to difficulties in gaining access and trust. Even with access, potential repercussions for the researcher, or subjects, might significantly hinder investigation."

"As two queer researchers, we were able to access the social circles of relatively privileged Western gay expatriates. Secrecy often defined their interactions, yet the milieu was not unfamiliar; prior research and visits had fostered insights and rapport."

Evading Authorities

For six years, the researchers conducted fieldwork, strategically visiting several bars and clubs in Dubai. Twenty-six gay men, ranging in age from 24 to 48 and representing 15 different countries, were interviewed. Most participants were single and had attended universities in North America or Europe. Their incomes and occupations varied, including airline personnel and bankers. Just over half identified as 'White'.

Their forthcoming paper articulates: "Dubai's gay social scene commonly takes place in city hotels, venues open to anyone who can afford admittance. These opulent, resplendent structures offer respite from the extreme heat, even late into the evening."

The researchers initially wondered how attendees could discern that certain events were frequently attended by gay men. "These were 'parties' occurring on particular nights at different locations. Participants were predominantly gay, but the venues weren't explicitly gay bars." Not one webpage used the term 'gay' or related expressions, nor did any hint at a gay clientele.

It became clear that word-of-mouth and WhatsApp group discussions amongst expatriates were the primary means for disseminating event details. Upon the appearance of a party on a TripAdvisor review or blog, venue or name adjustments were swiftly implemented to avoid intervention by Emirati authorities. Gay dating apps were also avoided due to anxieties of police entrapment.

Inside such venues, a lack of overtly 'gay' music (like the remixed tracks and tunes found in LGBTQ bars around the world) was notable, along with the absence of same-sex physical contact (even friendly displays).

They note: "Although a high-consumption culture is prevalent amongst expatriate communities in Dubai, alcohol consumption tends to be moderate and controlled; individuals often strive to maintain composure and restraint."

One participant confided: "A fear of overindulgence, inappropriate conduct, and potential repercussions from notifying the authorities, hangs over all of us."

Privilege and Opulence: Freedom for the Elite

Certain occasions afforded extraordinary freedoms to those in positions of privilege. A more exclusive and less restrictive party at a hotel's rooftop bar showcased displays of affection (kissing and cuddling). A Lady Gaga-themed drag performance entertained the event. Only the most affluent and influential men, both Western and Arab, felt self-assured enough to engage in such overt displays.

They explain: "This specific party wasn't a regular occurrence, but similar extravagant gatherings did sporadically occur in other venues, including private penthouses and desert locations…Such overt expression was restricted to individuals with significant privilege, amidst a generally vulnerable and diverse homosexual population residing in Dubai."

Establishing a 'Gay Family'

Evidently, Western gay men often sought a 'gay family' in Dubai, constructing supportive networks akin to a 'home away from home'.

Most participants detailed the urgent need to establish a community as soon as they arrived, to effectively create a sense of belonging within their new surroundings.

Given the random assignment of housing to shared flats, gay men frequently had to negotiate accommodations with their flatmates to enable cohabitation and the organisation of private and selective social events.

Expat Solidarity, Exclusionary Practices

Reflecting on the research, Dr. Centner says, "Beyond highlighting these lives, we also reveal the expatriate and relatively privileged nature of this gay experience in Dubai. The study reveals how a quest for a 'home away from home' leads these men to inadvertently, unwillingly, or consciously exclude other gay or queer men who do not meet their criteria for similarity.

"The concept of 'similarity' encompasses a broad spectrum. Self-identification as 'Western' wasn't always a primary identity marker before their move to the UAE. Thus, a Luxembourger might see solidarity with a Peruvian. This inclusive sense of solidarity, however, can discourage or raise suspicions regarding other individuals in similar circumstances but who lack Western cultural or financial standing."

Dubai's Social Liberalism

Dr. Centner underscores that Dubai seeks to position itself as more socially liberal than the rest of the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

"Despite the illegality of homosexuality, Dubai actively avoids being perceived as anti-gay. Occasional media attention to isolated incidents fuels anxieties amongst expatriates. However, these accounts fall short of representing widespread governmental action."

"Compared to locations where homosexuality might not be illegal but homophobia is rampant, a palpable sense of unease and vigilance is evident in Dubai. A sustained consciousness of social etiquette and propriety defines interactions, including those with neighbours or door staff. This continuous state of caution and self-censorship reflects a subtle, omnipresent fear of reprisal."

"In certain legal contexts, accusations can substitute for proof when supported by consistent complainants. This awareness profoundly shapes interpersonal interactions and community behaviour."

Dr. Ryan Centner spoke to Joanna Bale, Senior Media Relations Manager at LSE.