CRG masterclasses at the ASCL: Sexual polemics in Africa: The politics of (anti-)queer activism

The collaborative research group Collaboration and contestation in words: dialogues and disputes in African social realities of the African Studies Centre Leiden organises a series of three masterclasses around the theme of sexual polemics in spring 2022.

In many places around the world, including in Africa, the public sphere is marked by tense debates on gender and sexuality. A conjuncture of (religious) homophobia, a globally circulating human rights paradigm, socio-political crises, and the emergence of communities that are potentially recognisable as ‘homosexual’ or ‘feminist’ has engendered fierce debates and anxiety about the social reproduction of societies. Why is it that over the past two decades sexual and reproductive health and rights have become the subject of such intense debate?

Our masterclasses attempt to spark a cross-sectoral discussion with scholars, policy makers, practitioners and activists on the debates around sexual and reproductive health and rights as they currently unfold in Africa and beyond.

All masterclasses are from 14:00 – 17:00 at the Faculty of Social Sciences (Pieter de la Court building) of Leiden University, with drinks afterwards (rooms to be announced after registration).

The following issues will be addressed during the upcoming events:

18 May: The politics of (anti-)queer activism

Speakers

Dr Stella Nyanzi (NIAS fellow)

Dr Rahul Rao (NIAS fellow; University of St. Andrews, Scotland)

Please register before 13 May by sending an e-mail to Loes Oudenhuijsen at: l.w.oudenhuijsen@asc.leidenuniv.nl.

30 June: Public contestations around comprehensive sexuality education

Speakers

 Dr Marielle le Mat (KIT Royal Tropical Institute)

Dr Esther Miedema (University of Amsterdam)

Past event

21 April: The public polemics of (anti-)abortion activism 

Speakers

Dr Marte Haaland (Bergen University, Norway)

Dr Jonna Both (Expertisecentrum Seksualiteit Rutgers).