From Stonewall to Strategy (and Back Again?): Towards a Common Theory of LGBTQ+ Advocacy

This paper provides a multidisciplinary review of LGBTQ+ advocacy, drawing from social movement studies, interest group research, and queer studies to identify commonalities and distinctions in these literatures. Shared themes among these literatures include advocacy strategies, contextual influences and coalition-building. However, a fundamental difference lies in the role of social justice: while social movements evolve in response to shifting justice frameworks, interest groups—due to institutionalization—are more constrained. I this regard, professionalization emerges as a pivotal factor, marking a transition from grassroots activism to structured advocacy organizations, potentially signaling the "death" of social movements but the "birth" of interest groups. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially since LGBTQ+ interest groups and organizations face serious backlash in current political contexts. Moreover, the paper explores empirical work that helps us to better understand how contextual factors, such as contestation or hostility, shape advocacy efforts.