David Paternotte

David Paternotte is a Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at the Free University of Brussels (ULB). His research focuses on analyzing ultraconservative and anti-gender movements, their transnational strategies, and political influence. He specializes in studying organizations like Ordo Iuris and CitizenGo, examining their impact on policies regarding abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education.

His work highlights the modernization of these groups through generational recruitment (e.g., youth academies), litigation strategies, and legal challenges to progressive policies. Paternotte has participated in international academic initiatives such as the UIMP course on LGBTI rights and contributed to European studies on conservative funding trends.

Key areas of analysis include the intersection of religious freedom claims with anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, the global spread of 'gender ideology' rhetoric, and the role of litigation in advancing conservative agendas. His research emphasizes these groups' efforts to reshape societal norms through cultural hegemony and policy reforms.