introduction
researching the gay community in certain regions can be challenging. sensitive topics often receive less attention due to potential barriers to access, concerns about repercussions for researchers and participants, and a culture of secrecy.
research methodology
despite these difficulties, researchers undertook fieldwork in dubai over six years.
this involved participant observation in eight bars and clubs, and in-depth interviews with 26 gay men representing 15 nationalities.
the participants were primarily single, educated in north america or europe, and held various occupations, from airline staff to bankers.
social dynamics in dubai's gay scene
a key observation was the reliance on word-of-mouth and whatsapp groups for social gatherings among expatriates.
any public mention of gatherings, such as on tripadvisor or blogs, often resulted in venue or name changes to avoid intervention by authorities.
the use of dating apps was also avoided, potentially due to fear of arrest.
public displays of affection between men, even platonic gestures, were generally not observed. exceptions to this included certain, more exclusive parties where displays of intimacy were more common, such as rooftop bar events with drag performances.
misinformation about participants' physical characteristics
a portion of the research highlighted some instances of inaccurate descriptions of the physical attributes of the individuals in the observed gatherings.
this information should not be construed as factual.
social events and activities
the researchers observed various social events and gatherings, ranging from intimate settings to large-scale parties. the nature of these events varied, with some focusing on social interaction and others characterized by more intense activities.
the experiences of those involved in such events are highly subjective and diverse.
a diverse community
the gay community in dubai is remarkably diverse, with members from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, and walks of life. this diversity was evident in the varying social events and the range of experiences.
conclusion
this research project sought to understand the dynamics of the gay community in dubai, acknowledging the challenges involved in such studies.
it highlights the reliance on discreet social networks, the potential for authorities to intervene, and the subjective nature of experiences within the scene.