Book Launch 'The Gentrification of Queer Activism'

Join us for an evening of lively discussion on queer spaces, LGBTQ+ activism and the gender/sexual politics of neoliberalism for the book launch of 'The Gentrification of Queer Activism: Diversity Politics and the Promise of Inclusion in London' by Dr Olimpia Burchiellaro, published by Bristol University Press as part of their Sociology of Diversity series (edited by David Embrick). The book discussion will be followed by drinks and nibbles.

When: 6pm - 7.30pm

Where: The Pavillion, Cavendish Street Campus, 115 New Cavendish Street (London)

The space is fully accessible.

Discussants

Dr SM Rodriguez (they/them) (London School of Economics)

Amardeep Singh Dhillon (they/them) (Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants)

Samantha Sun (she/her) (East London Strippers Collective)

D Mortimer (they/them)

Dr Daniel Conway (he/him) (University of Westminster)

About the book

In the 2010s, London’s LGBTQ+ scene was hit by extensive venue closures. For some, this represented the increased inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in society. For others, it threatened the city’s status as a ‘global beacon of diversity’ or merely reaffirmed the hostility of London’s neoliberal landscapes. Navigating these competing realities, Olimpia Burchiellaro explores the queer politics of LGBTQ+ inclusion in London. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted with activists, professionals and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, the author reveals how gender and sexuality come to be reconfigured in the production and consumption of LGBTQ+ inclusion and its promises. Giving voice to queer perspectives on inclusion, this is an important contribution to our understanding of urban policy, nightlife, neoliberalism and LGBTQ+ politics.

Pre-order here: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-gentrification-of-queer-activism

Bios

Olimpia Burchiellaro is an anthropologist of gender/sexuality, queer politics and political economy. She is currently a Leverhulme Postdoctoral Early Career Research Fellow at the University of Westminster in the Department of Politics and International Relations. She has published work in journals including Sexualities, Gender, Work & Organization and Organization Studies.

Dr SM Rodriguez is Assistant Professor of Gender, Rights and Human Rights in the Department of Gender Studies at the London School of Economics (LSE). They are a scholar-activist committed to anti-violence in their community and research. Their work spans concerns of the criminalized, queer, and/or disabled people of African descent and relies on engaged methodologies to answer questions of transformative change.

Amardeep Singh Dhillon is a freelance journalist and bartender. They are Programme Coordinator at The World Transformed, a co-editor at Red Pepper magazine and organize with South London Bartenders Network and Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants.

Samantha Sun is an artisté, academiqué and activisté from Toronto, Canada, currently living in London, UK. A 5 foot nothing pocket rocket with a master's degree in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the LSE. She's an organizer at East London Strippers Collective and runs their iconic life drawing class. When she's not painting, making costumes, reading academic papers, yelling loudly about sex worker justice or micromanaging strippers, she's on stage, usually pouring miscellaneous liquids all over her naked body for your viewing pleasure! Her entrepreneurship and creative practice is supported by Arts Council England. She is also part of The Bitten Peach, A Queer Pan-Asian cabaret collective. Her most recent venture involves partnering up with prominent members of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife to improve working conditions and nurture the industry.

D Mortimer is a writer from London occupied with experimental trans and queer narratives. Their work (essays, poetry, prose, creative criticism) has been published by The Guardian, Granta Magazine, Vice and DIVA magazine.

Dr Daniel Conway is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster. His work is situated at the intersection of Feminist International Relations, political sociology and queer theory, focusing on the politics of LGBTQ+ rights and activism. He held a 2018-19 Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship studying 'The Global Politics of Pride: LGBTQ+ Activism, Assimilation and Resistance', and conducted comparative fieldwork on LGBTQ+ Pride events across Africa, Asia and North America.

The event is supported by the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the University of Westminster.

Event Venue

The Pavillion, Cavendish Street Campus, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, United Kingdom