RDV: Navigating Queerphobia and Anti-Gender Narratives in a Politicized World

NEW DATE: 31 Jan, 12 noon Queerphobia has become an issue of political contestation across the world. Transnational groups and governments, including those in Western countries influenced by leaders like Trump, mobilize against LGBTQ+ rights using rhetoric that claims gender non-conformity would somehow undermine the family and corrupt children. Queer identities and practices are, therefore, increasingly subject to (re)criminalisation and political hostility. Queer activists have to develop strategies and adapt to complex political landscapes. How do queer activists maneuver “anti-gender” narratives that seek to erase their existence, while curtailing their socio-political participation? What strategies do queer activists and allies adopt and to what extent are they successful?  About the speakers Ayo Sogunro is a lawyer, scholar-activist, and writer known for his unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and democratic freedoms across Africa. He has over fifteen years of experience spanning legal practice, academic research, and public advocacy. He is currently a Research Scholar at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University and additionally consults as a social entrepreneur and human rights worker. Sogunro leverages his skills as a lawyer and writer for the benefit of governmental and non-governmental organisations. He is known for his work in social advocacy and for the protection of civil rights and the rights of sexual minorities in Nigeria. Sogunro was listed as one of the “100 Most Influential Nigerians” in 2017.  Matthew Gichohi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Insititute, University of Bergen. Dr. Gichohi is a political scientist focusing on democratization and identity politics with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Gichohi’s research studies how processes of democratization are affected by social identities and the norms that surround them. For example, his work considers how ethnic, and gender identities are created, practiced and reinforced to affect political participation and representation.   Erwin Navarro is the Managing Director of Skeiv Verden Vest, an organisation that supports LGBTQIA+ people with minority backgrounds. He is involved in organising Pride Week in Bergen and has good contact with the queer community at the school. He moved to Norway 13 years ago to complete his master’s degree in Tromsø on integration policy for minorities. Navarro moved to Bergen and has been working for Skeiv Verden Vest since 2021.   Liv Tønnessen is a political scientist researching gender and politics in the Middle East and Northern Africa. She has a PhD in comparative politics from the University of Bergen. Dr. Tønnessen has a track record from the Middle East and Northern Africa with long term stays in Sudan, Lebanon and Syria. She has specialized in Sudanese politics for two decades. Dr. Tønnessen is currently co-Director of the CMI-University of Bergen Centre on Law and Social Transformation together with Siri Gloppen.  How to participate: At Jekteviksbakken 31 or via this Zoom link: https://uib.zoom.us/j/69450748377?pwd=Ya3aUdJHG2hlXaOb9frC7mM8NFoAcT.1 If the Zoom application is new to you, we recommend that you press the link well before the events to download the program. You may leave and rejoin the meeting at any time.