Workshop Queer Urban Underworlds in European State Socialism
Date: September 17-19, 2024
Venue: The Parliamentary Library and The Archives of the Chamber of Deputies, Komunardů 1634/44, 170 00 Prague 7 Holešovice
Organised by: German Historical Institute Warsaw (DHIW) – Prague Branch, Institute of Contemporary History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague (ÚSD), The Parliamentary Library and The Archives of the Chamber of Deputies, Society for Queer Memory, Prague
We are thrilled to announce a workshop that delves into the vibrant yet often obscured queer urban landscapes that existed under state socialism in Eastern Europe. This unique event is a collaborative effort to explore the gendered and queer experiences that shaped the urban history of the Eastern Bloc.
The workshop focuses on the concept of „living worlds“ and „underworlds“ within state socialist cities, providing a platform for scholars to discuss and uncover the hidden facets of urban life during this era. By examining how gender and queerness influenced and were influenced by the spatial and societal structures of the time, participants will gain insights into the power dynamics and resistance strategies within these historical urban landscapes.
The Queer Urban Underworlds in European State Socialism workshop promises an exciting lineup of sessions exploring the hidden facets of queer culture and gender expression under state socialism. While the main workshop sessions are tailored for experts and require pre-registration, we warmly invite members of the professional community, students, and all serious enthusiasts interested in the topic to join us for a special keynote address by Dan Healey from the University of Oxford.
Titled “The Unbearable Lightness of Being Queer in State Socialism,” Healey’s lecture will provide insightful perspectives into the queer experience during this period. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with leading scholarship on queer history in Eastern Europe. The keynote is open to all interested attendees and will take place on September 17, from 17:30 to 19:00, at the Parliamentary Library and The Archives of the Chamber of Deputies.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity for scholars and researchers to collaborate and shed light on the gendered and queer dimensions of state socialist cities in Eastern Europe. By exploring the intricate complexities of urban life during this era, participants will significantly contribute to the evolving narrative of Eastern European urban history. We welcome scholars interested in participating in the full workshop discussions; however, they must register in advance to secure their participation.
Registration for the Workshop: https://forms.gle/WLsa5Pxu4f3BdALA6.
ID is required upon entering the building.
The workshop is organised with the support of the Strategy AV21 program „City as a Laboratory of Change: Historical Heritage and Place for Safe and Quality Life“ (Workshop je pořádán s podporou výzkumného programu Strategie AV21 „Město jako laboratoř změny; Stavby, kulturní dědictví a prostředí pro bezpečný a hodnotný život“).
