Dear all,
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Nicola
Intersections: Feminist and Queer Geographies, Leeds 2008.
(Provisional proposal for a conference jointly organised by WGSG and SSQWG)
Introduction: The idea of organising a joint conference between the WGSG
and SSQWG was raised at the Geographies of Fear/Geographies of Hope
reading weekend, which was held in Derbyshire earlier this year. The
intersections between feminist and queer geographies was suggested as a
conference theme, as this topic is unlikely to be the focus of future
events put on by either the WGSG or SSQWG. Informal contact with some
members of both groups has resulted in some initial ideas regarding more
specific conference topics, keynote speakers and event format. These are
presented below and are intended to act as an initial starting point for
more focused discussions about the precise nature of next years joint
event. In particular, we would like input from members of the WGSG and
SSQWG on:
Conference theme
do people think that a conference on the intersections of feminist and
queer geographies is a good idea?
More specific session/panel topics
Potential keynote speakers
Conference format
1 Suggestions so far
1.1 Keynotes
International: Larry Knopp, Elspeth Probyn, Julie Graham / Katherine
Gibson, Judith Butler
UK: Gill Valentine, Sara Ahmed, Davina Cooper, David Bell.
suggestions / comments?
1.2 Topics:
Feminist and queer perspectives on
the family
the body
identities, subjectivities, citizenship, belonging
everyday practice and politics
the state / politics
capitalism / globalisation
ecology / environmentalism
cosmopolitanism / difference
emotional geographies
future directions of queer and feminist geographies
Also, wider intersections and disjunctures between queer and feminist
theories.
Initial plan is to put out a call for papers covering all potential topics
and then final sessions will be organised in response to the abstracts
that we receive.
suggestions / comments? (So far we lack any specific mention of race /
disability / sexuality- although these obviously could be incorporated
into the existing topics. Is it problematic to do this?)
1.3 Conference format:
Preference so far has been for traditional paper sessions. However,
workshop and/or discussion group/reading sessions could be incorporated.
There is also the possibility that we could have more experimental / work
in progress paper sessions for people who are in the early stages of their
research- these sessions could be more informal and offer more time for
discussion (something that is often cut short in regular paper sessions).
This could be particularly useful for PGRs.
suggestions / comments?
2 Funding
2.1
School of Geography, Leeds
Funding in kind e.g. provision of rooms for sessions, support from admin
staff (in dealing with the financial side of things, organising catering,
creating conference materials etc), use of reprographic facilities etc.
2.2 SSQWG and WGSG
SSQWG are applying for a small grant to help subside to PGRs and low waged
delegates (if grant is unsuccessful they hope to still make a small
contribution).
Are WGSG willing to contribute towards costs? Possible additional funding
by RGS?
2.3 Keynotes
An application to the British Academy will be made to fund the
international keynote(s),
Possibility of co-hosting an international speaker with the Leeds Social
Sciences Institute (though LSSI can only co-host a big name in the wider
social sciences)
Funding from journals/publishers e.g. Gender, Place and Culture, Social
and Cultural Geography (Taylor and Francis)?
All other costs will be covered by conference fees (conference will be
non-profit making).
3 Publication
Gender, Place and Culture have agreed to pencil in a slot for a special
issue in 2009 (possible double issue if enough papers). Will also
potentially approach Social and Cultural Geography about a theme issue?
Other journals to target?
4 Dates
Sometime in early July 2008? Suggestions / comments?
5 Conference title
Any suggestions?
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