“De-Centring Western Sexualities: Central and Eastern European Perspectives”

With the help of Birkbeck Institute for Social Research, Birkbeck College 

08 November 2011, 6-8 pm

room B03, 43 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0AL 

Map:  http://g.co/maps/d9fsq

 "De-Centring Western Sexualities” (Ashgate 2011) critically assesses the current state of knowledge about sexualities outside the framings of "The West", by focusing on gender and sexuality within the context of "Central and Eastern Europe". Providing rich case studies drawn from a range of "post-communist" countries, this interdisciplinary volume brings together the latest research on the formation of sexuality in "Central and Eastern Europe", alongside analyses of the sexual and national identity politics of the region. Engaged with current debates within queer studies about temporarily and knowledge production, and inspired by the post-colonial critique, the book tries to problematize the western hegemony within sexuality studies, and produce local theoretical insights better attuned to their local geo-temporal realities.

During the book launch evening, we would like to invite you to take part in an open discussion about sexual politics and queer studies as they are per/formed in/through the geographical, historical, cultural, political, and temporal concepts of the “West” and the “Central and Eastern Europe”/“The Rest”. We will discuss, among other issues, problems related to hegemony, power, and globalisation in sexual politics. We will explore how locality, region, geography and “post-communist transformation” impacts on queer studies in (and outside) “Europe”.

There will be a possibility of buying the book with 50% discount during the evening. (Flyers with 50% discount also available, for those who cannot make it to the event). 

Programe:

6pm - 7pm - Open discussion about temporality, geography, and hegemony in queer studies.

7pm - 8pm - The evening continues with wine and nibbles.