SEEKING FRIENDS IN TROUBLED TIMES: THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF TRANSNATIONAL LGBT NETWORKS IN EUROPE*

Abstract

Prior research demonstrates the importance of domestic associations joining transnational advocacy networks to create social change. Few studies, however, investigate how dynamic political opportunities influence the structure of crossnational networks. To address this gap, we analyze an original dataset of 3,103 domestic lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) associations in Europe connected through joint membership in 46 LGBT international nongovernmental organizations from 2010 to 2020. Results from network and multilevel analyses reveal a relatively unstable network that is centrally comprised of associations located in adverse political contexts. More specifically, advocacy associations located in adverse political contexts, but recently joining the European Union, are more likely to occupy central positions in the network. Although the structure of the network suggests LGBT organizations are countering traditional, hegemonic lines of stratification, the instability of central position undermines widely held assumptions about the relationship between power and centrality within these networks.