Places of recreation, places of memory: tourism in the heritagisation of LGBT+ identities

Abstract

The analysis of LGBT+ memories and identities has been neglected in processes of heritagisation. This is despite numerous attempts undertaken by various institutions to promote a more inclusive notion of heritage, which incorporates cultural diversity and the demands of social sectors that have previously been ignored in heritage policies. This study con-tributes to the literature by examining the incipient recognition of heri-tage that contributes to the visibility and normalisation of sexual diversity. We focus on tourism and leisure contexts, which have played an impor-tant role in disseminating certain perspectives on sexual diversity. Specifically, we highlight how the confluence of the market, transforma-tions in heritage systems, and ways of depicting the LGBT+ narrative reveals new processes of recognition for LGBT+ heritage. In the process of heritagisation, tourism and leisure serve as narrative pillars of memories and identities. This study explores these aspects by focusing on a Spanish town, Torremolinos, which has become one of the most important inter-national LGBT+ tourist destinations.