"A Red Alert Appears". Ambivalence of the Reclaimed Hate Speech in a Hate-Saturated Environment.

Abstract

Hate speech has been examined regarding both its consequences for minorities and the majority. However, studies are missing in the area of reclaimed hate speech, namely statements that are widely considered offensive but have begun to be used in a non-offensive way by minorities. The purpose of this study was to look specifically at perceptions of reclaimed hate speech, as well as the purposes and consequences of its use by representatives of the LGBT+ community. Partially structured interviews (N = 12 LGBT+ people) were conducted using an insider's perspective in the context of a homophobic society. Thematic analysis of responses showed that reclaimed hate speech is, according to LGBT+ people, a reaction to traditional hate speech, while being their own language related to the exclusiveness of the minority experience. When used by entitled persons, it is not perceived as offensive, but is nevertheless shocking and brings up fears about the normalization of traditional hate speech. This means that reclaimed hate speech, contrary to what has been presented in the existing literature, is not an unambiguously positive phenomenon. Overall, our study can contribute to redefining and improving the emancipation strategies of minority groups.