Queer and Trans Lives in Turbulent Times: Decolonial Queer Perspectives from Central Asia - Mariya Levitanus

This talk explores the profound impact of geopolitical and cultural shifts on queer and trans bodies in Central Asia and Russia. Drawing from my research on the migration of Russian queer and trans individuals to Central Asia post Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I will highlight the nuanced impacts of political changes on LGBTQ+ lives. Working within theories outlined in the areas of queer and decolonial thinking (that is the de-centering of Global North/Western societal and theoretical norms), I will explore how the Russian war in Ukraine has redefined queer geographies and challenged thinking about progressive and het-cis-normative time. Using these ideas and theories, I will consider how we can create better healthcare, research practices and methodologies. Ultimately, this talk aims to inspire new ways of thinking about and conducting queer and decolonial research and practice.

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This event is run by the Queer Minds Scotland Network (funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh) but we welcome attendees based all across the globe. This workshop is open to anyone interested in the topics including community members, practitioners, policy makers, students and researchers.

A note on safety and inclusion: Queer Minds Scotland is a fully inclusive network and space of all LGBTQIA+ communities. We therefore take a zero tolerance approach to any discrimination that compromises the safety of the space i.e. transphobia, racism, ableism - and reserve the right to remove participants who may express such views. 

Joining instructions for Zoom will be sent on the morning of the event.