Masculinity within the context of gender; the case of Gaziantep

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the role of male homosexuals in the proccess of constructing masculinity. Interviews held with 19 subjects (15 gay males, 2 trans-men and 2 trans-women) from different socio-cultural layers living in Gaziantep have been included in this thesis. Construction and structure of gender relations have been discussed in the theoretical section of this study in which the concept of gender has been primarily focused on. Gender relations have been analyzed class, ethnic, religious and power base. Feminism has been referred to in this thesis as it is helpful for Masculinity studies. Queer theory has been also included in this dissertation as it tries to describe how dichotomies are generated and utilized and shows the borders of sexual identities and gender politics as well. Before studying on Gaziantep case, with the necessity to examine the process of construction of masculinity in Turkey, the era beginning with modernization has been reviewed in respect of its role in construction of dominant masculine values. While examining masculinity in context of homosexual identity, the historical change of homosexual identity and the development and transformation of LGBT movement in Turkey has also been featured. Gay masculinity has been examined in context of construction and denial of gender roles. Using the data retrieved from this field study, the opinions of the subjects about gender roles, militarism, nationalism, politics and LGBT activism have been evaluated.