All entries for March 2013

Research website

I have created a new website for my PhD research project, which is looking at discourses of trans health. The idea of the site is to communicate the basic aims of my research and the approach I'm taking. I'm also hoping to maintain a blog in which I can discuss issues pertinent to the project as it progresses.

The site is available here: Trans Health Study.

: 27 Mar 2013 11:34 |  Tags: PhD Research Trans |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Call for papers: Spotlight on Genderqueer

Please note: this event will take place within a video-conferencing suite. International contributions via the Internet are encouraged!

9am – 5pm
Monday 29th April
Wolfson Research Exchange, University of Warwick, UK

Abstract submission date: Sunday 24th March

‘Genderqueer’ has come to describe a wide range of gendered identities and experiences during the past couple of decades. Genderqueer books have been published, genderqueer art has been produced, genderqueer events are held. Untold thousands (millions?) of people live genderqueer lives.

However, we believe that ‘genderqueer’ remains under-examined within the academic world. We therefore aim to explore genderqueer lives, identities and experiences from a range of perspectives both within and beyond the academic world.

We invite submissions from a range of disciplines, addressing themes that speak to, relate to, or interact with the concept of ‘genderqueer’. Relevant topics include (but are not limited to):

- intersectionality and identity
- genderqueer intimacies and sexual practices
- genderqueer performance
- genderqueer psychology and therapeutics
- queer(ing) literature(s)
- genderqueer language and communication
- genderqueer geographies and social networks
- genderqueer inequalities

Speakers will be invited to provide an informal presentation for up to 20 minutes.

There will also be an associated evening event in Leamington Spa with a variety of performers.

This is a DIY academic event organised by Dr Lyndsey Moon and Ruth Pearce. To register for the event or submit an abstract (max. 200 words) for consideration, please email r.pearce@warwick.ac.uk or l.moon@warwick.ac.uk.

For more information: http://mindtheresearchgap.wordpress.com/

: 21 Mar 2013 12:07 |  Tags: Queer Research Trans |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Radio 4 interview

Tonight's broadcast of Analysis on Radio 4 included excerpts from an interview with me about the complexities of trans experiences.

The programme will be repeated on Sunday at 9:30pm.

You can also listen online with iplayer radio.

: 18 Mar 2013 23:25 |  Tags: Research Trans |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

DJ setlist: NUS Women's Conference 2013 @ Park Inn, York

I had an absolutely fantastic time DJing for NUS Women's Campaign Conference last night - everyone there was wonderful and well up for a good dance. Here's to the feminist disco!

Blondie - Atomic
Florence + the Machine - Spectrum
Ke$ha - Die Young
Little Mix - DNA
Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble (r)
Destiny's Child - Independent Woman (r)
Elastica - Connection
The Cardigans - My Favourite Game
Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
Etta James - I Just Want to Make Love to You
Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me
Jean Knight - Mr Big Stuff
Salt N' Pepa - Push It (r)
TLC - No Scrubs (r)
Azealia Banks - 212
Le Tigre - Deceptacon (r)
The Dresden Dolls - Girl Anachronism
P!nk - Blow Me (One Last Kiss) (r)
Rihanna - Diamonds (r)
Tatu - All The Things She Said (r)
Alannah Myles - Black Velvet
Dolly Parton - 9 to 5 (r)
Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart r)
Missy Elliot - Get UR Freak On (r)
Beyoncé - Crazy in Love
No Doubt - Hella Good
Hole - Violet (r)
Skunk Anansie - Weak
Alanis Moissette - You Oughta Know (r)
Aretha Franklin - Respect (r)
The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love (r)
Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive (r)
All Saints - Bootie Call (r)
The Spice Girls - Megamix!
Gloria Jones - Tainted Love (r)
Katrina & the Waves - Walking on Sunshine
Sister Sledge - We Are Family

(r) = request

: 06 Mar 2013 09:47 |  Tags: Dj Feminism |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Not Right at Warwick Battle of the Bands

: 03 Mar 2013 16:52 |  Tags: Not Right Rock |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

When will student election candidates tidy up their act?

You're not imagining it - the advertising for student elections really is getting more extreme every year. Since I first arrived at the University of Warwick in 2005, we've gone from heavy advertising outside the Chaplaincy and within buildings such as the Students' Union and Library, to the current mass coating of every available surface. Printed posters have given way to cardboard signs and increasingly massive banners.

In the headlong rush to secure election at any cost, sabbatical candidates seem to ignore the impact of all these signs.

I'm not just talking about an aesthetic impact on the campus environment (although, let's face it, Warwick gets pretty during election periods). I'm talking about the physical impact. Many of the signs are knocked over or blown away, leading to a massive amount of litter as cardboard and tape clogs up passageways and invades green spaces. Some candidates (I'm looking at you, Nick Swain and Zoe For Sports) are showing no respect whatsoever for living plants, through measures such as stapling signs to trees.

I doubt many (if any) of the candidates have also thought about who has to clear up after them. I've spoken to members of University staff who are already underpaid and overworked - now they have to tidy up the mess left by wannabe student politicians.

How many election candidates are looking around campus in the evening to see if any of their advertising has fallen down or fallen apart? How many candidates are planning to take down all their posters at the end of the week? Or are they going to forget all about it under the warm glow of the election party stage lights?

This is a problem that arises partly from individual selfishness, but also from the current electoral culture at Warwick. In order to be elected, it seems necessary for candidates to plaster every surface in their own image.

Every year sees are new conversation about electoral reform from the Students' Union. Perhaps this year, it should come in the form of new guidance on advertising over the election period - guidance that encourages candidates to respect University staff and the University environment alike.

Image is from the 2012 Warwick SU elections, shameless lifted from Daniel Stevens' blog.

: 01 Mar 2013 11:33 |  Tags: Union |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem