Queer geographies of dwelling. Socio-spatial justice and collaborative housing in Southern Europe

Housing is not a neutral concept; it is a pivotal point of struggle where various critical concerns converge and intersect. It is profoundly influenced by power dynamics determining access to space, its layout, and how individuals experience it. Research on the in- tersections of queer identity, gender, and housing is essential for understanding how domestic and urban spaces are constructed and contested by non-conforming identities. The housing experiences of queer individuals challenge heteronormative norms regard- ing space, prompting a re-semantization of traditional notions of home, family, and belonging. Simultaneously, cities and private residences can function as sites of oppression, precariousness, and violence, underscoring the necessity of resistance strategies and the reappropriation of space. Historically, the home has been viewed as a sanctuary of stability and social reproduction, yet this perspective is often rooted in heteronormative and patriarchal frameworks. Feminist and queer theorists like Sara Ahmed and Judith Butler have demonstrated how domestic spaces are structured to rein- force specific power relations, often excluding and marginalizing non-normative identities. Conversely, the home can also serve as a refuge and a site of resistance. Research by scholars such as Kath Weston and bell hooks illustrates how queer communities have formed new models of cohabitation, creating alternative families and domestic environments in which queer identities can thrive. These queer cohabitation practices challenge the conventional view of the home as a privatized, individualized space, transform- ing it instead into a site of solidarity and mutual support. The ur- ban landscape reflects dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, as au- thors like Petra Doan, Alison Bain and Julie Podmore examine how cities regulate the visibility and accessibility of queer individuals. Factors such as gentrification, tourism, and neoliberal housing pol- icies contribute to the marginalization of queer identities in urban centers, rendering their lifestyles invisible. Approaching this issue from a decolonial perspective, thinkers like Gloria Anzaldúa and Grada Kilomba highlight how lived experiences are deeply influ- enced by race and social class. Racialized queer individuals often face double exclusion, both within their communities of origin and in predominantly white LGBTQ+ circles. This contribution aims to explore the intersections of queer identity, gender, and dwelling practices, demonstrating that both home and city are not merely physical spaces but also arenas where power dynamics, exclusion, and resistance are expressed. A critical analysis of queer concepts and practices of home opens new avenues for rethinking spatial inclusivity, challenging normative models, and envisioning a more equitable and accessible future in housing.