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Homoaffectivity is aneologism describing expressions ofaffection andappreciation between individuals of the same sex. It refers to emotions and feelings that may occur between men or between women, without necessarily implying erotic (homoeroticism) or sexual (homosexuality) connotations.[1] The term is used to distinguish same-sex interactions that carry different implications and contexts. Homoaffectivity has been studied and applied in various fields, including thesocial sciences — particularlypsychology[2] andsociology — as well as law,[3] especiallyfamily law,literature studies[4] andtheology.[5]
The first formal studies mentioning homoaffectivity appeared in the early 21st century in the context of analyzingsame-sex behavior.
Brazilian jurist andLGBT activistMaria Berenice Dias was the first to coin the term and apply it in the legal field, seeking to reduce thestigmatization of same-sex couples inBrazil who maintain stable and lasting emotional relationships.[6]
The related concept ofhomosociality is sometimes used for similar purposes, but refers to a broader scope, encompassing all types of interactions among LGBT people regardless of emotional content.[7][8]
Homoaffective practices may includekissing,hugging, any type ofphysical intimacy in public spaces,holding hands, and affectionate words between persons of the same sex. Such actions can be performed by individuals of anysexual orientation. In other words, two people of the same sex may kiss on the cheek, embrace, or otherwise express mutual affection without necessarily beinggay orbisexual.[9] Depending on the social context and historical moment, these practices may be more or less tolerated. The term has also been adopted in gender studies, where it refers to the sense ofbrotherhood and appreciation one person may feel toward others of the same sex.
A paradox of homoaffectivity is that such behaviors are tolerated differently depending on the perceived sexual orientation of those involved. For example, in many Muslim-majority countries, it is common for two friends regarded as heterosexual to kiss or embrace in public,[10] while similar behavior between two homosexual men is not equally accepted.[11]
The dictionary definition ofhomoaffectivity at Wiktionary