Queer Conversations is a half-day symposium inviting conversation and collaboration on queer issues and research that highlights the queer work students are doing across disciplines and departments, both graduate students and undergraduate students.
In the past two years, we have interacted with speakers, performers, artists and scholars from an array of fields and disciplines, asking us to think about contemporary queer topics and themes. From queer performance art to investigating queer lives in the academy, facilitators have challenged audience members to think queerly about their areas of interest. To continue this tradition and increase institutional visibility on queer issues, we are hosting our third annual symposium, Queer Conversations III. The new addition this year is an invitation for undergraduate queer writers and researchers to join us. The symposium will include Ignite talks, a works in progress forum, a reception, and an evening talk by memoirist Paige Schilt, author of Queer Rock Love.
Sponsored by The Queer Theory Playground in Rhetoric & Writing, The CAL office for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, The Center for Gender in Global Context, The Writing Center, LBGT Resource Center.
We are now accepting proposals for the following:
- Works-in-Progress Forum: 2-3 folks working in related areas or on related topics who want to facilitate a conversation on a queer theme or tension will jump start a works-in-progress conversation with a brief sharing of their own work. Please submit a proposal of ~200 words that explains the general topic and each speaker’s focus.
- Ignite Talks: these are 5-minute individual talks accompanied by no more than 5 slides. Ignite sessions will be concluded with open discussion and networking. Please submit a brief proposal of ~200 words indicating the talk’s topic.
- Performance Pieces: Readings, demonstrations, art displays, video screenings, dramatizations, and other performances are welcome. Please give an overview of the performance piece, its approximate length, and/or display needs in your 200-word proposal.
Send proposals as an attachment to queertheoryplayground@gmail.com by Monday, February 29th. Please indicate which session type your proposal is for (work-in-progress forum, Ignite talk, or performance), and include presenter(s) name(s), degree program(s), and email address(es) with the proposal. If you have questions, please contact Trixie Smith at smit1254@msu.edu.
Queer Conversations 