The latest thinking and research on pressing LGBT issues is being showcased at a series of open lectures and a high-profile conference as part of De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU) month-long #DMUpride celebrations.
Experts from across the university and beyond are exploring subjects such as the evolution of gender identity, the role of museums in shaping public perception, criminal justice, and sexual and mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities/individuals.
The series of open lectures kicks off at 12pm today (WED) with an exploration of the performance of gender by Ramsay Burt, Professor of Dance History in the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities at DMU.
Using video extracts from Paris is Burning - Jennie Livingston’s 1990 documentary following African-American, Latino, gay and transgender communities – Professor Burt looks at how voguing in the 1980s had the potential to ‘hack’ gender.
Professor Burt is best known for his 1995 book The Male Dancer, which placed male dance and homosexuality into an academic context.
He said: “I’m very excited to be kicking off such a diverse series of lectures. It’s fascinating to see LGBT issues addressed from such a range of views.
“This is what all universities should be doing; being up-front and proud of raising the profile of issues affecting LGBT communities.”
The series of lectures will continue on Tuesday 9 February with a discussion about the role of museums in contributing to the public dialogue on LGBT rights.
Drawing on the findings of recent audience research projects, Dr Maria-Anna Tseliou will summarise how museums and galleries present LGBT communities and how people respond to specific exhibitions.
Dr Tseliou said: “As publicly-funded and educational institutions, museums have a responsibility to be inclusive and representative of LGBT communities.
“Museums have the power to shape the way people think and talk about LGBT rights. They form the way history is presented and this is not a complete representation if LGBT and other disadvantaged communities are excluded.”
The third in the series of #DMUpride open lectures, on Thursday 11 February, focuses on the sexual health needs of gay and bisexual men and the major inequalities they have faced, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS.
Rusi Jaspal, Professor of Psychology and Sexual Health in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at DMU, who is presenting this lecture, said: “At DMU we are privileged to be part of a diverse student and staff community.
“It is important to raise awareness of the cultural aspects and needs of our diverse communities so that we can communicate better, and understand and support one another.
“Consistent with the ethos of #DMUpride, my lecture encourages us to challenge stigma and to take pride in our sexual health and identities. Given the university’s commitment to celebrating diversity and equality, as demonstrated by our recent recognition by Stonewall, it makes perfect sense to start this conversation at DMU.”
For the penultimate lecture in the series, on Tuesday 16 February, Kath Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Community Justice from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at DMU, is posing some timely questions on LGBT people and the criminal justice system.
There is currently very little research available on offending rates of LGBT people, resulting in their needs and offending not being adequately addressed. Kat Wilson’s lecture will draw upon her book Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People (LGBT) and the Criminal Justice System, due for release this April, which explores experiences of LGBT victims, offenders and staff within the criminal justice system.
Delving into the mental health of LGBT populations, Joanne Bird is rounding-up the #DMUpride series of lectures on Friday 26 February.
The Senior Lecturer in Mental Health from DMU’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said: “Mental health care has historically contributed to the stigma and discrimination experienced by many in the LGBT community, affecting not only their mental health, but also their access to appropriate care.
“Through acknowledging the historical and current struggles that the LGBT community face, we can increase awareness and identify a way forward in which we can reduce the current levels of stigma and discrimination experienced.”
The launch of #DMUpride on 2 February saw the opening of the university’s Centre for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) Research, which will be led by esteemed DMU academic Professor Julie Fish.
To mark the opening of the new centre, an academic conference on 24 February will showcase current research and collaborations at DMU.
Posted on Wednesday 3 February 2016