The subject of this article is swinging, also known as partner exchange or swinging lifestyle. It addresses fundamental issues that guide this universe with regard to practitioners' sexuality and gender identities. The analysis is based on an ethnography conducted at a swingers' club in the Lisbon area, and on interviews with six swinger couples. It seeks to understand how gender and sexual identities are reproduced, resignified or denied in swinging, as well as what characterizes femininity and masculinity in this universe. This research also points out some peculiarities of swinging not only for conjugal life, but also for the individuals involved.
Swinging; Monogamy; Gender; Sexuality; Conjugality