The End of Gay and Lesbian Literature as a Happy End: An Attempt to Compare Development in Central and Eastern Europe
Abstract
Gay and Lesbian literature in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe looks westward for identity models, literary models, and also for critical and analytical models. In the second phase, writers and critics search local literary, cultural or even religious traditions, looking for partial "domestic" specificities of an expression of gay and lesbian identity.
The more "backward" and conservative the particular country is, the more importance is given to the Western, specifically the American pattern. However, this uneven development gives unexpected importance also to direct links between particular Central and East European Countries.
Texts from more "succesfull" literatures can serve as substitute for weak or non-existent local literature with a gay and lesbian topic (Czech literature in Slovakia, Witkowski's Lubiewo in Ukraine etc.).