This article presents empirical evidence and conceptual elements to develop a notion of 'gayness,' understood as a social experience distinct from the 'homosexual' one. The main hypothesis holds that gayness is heir to de-differentiation processes that, in turn, enable differentiating processes within the gay world. Although referred to the city of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, this reflection is aimed at comparing the case to other large metropolitan centers in Latin America.
gayness; homosexuality; social experience; de-differentiation; differentiation