Gendered Worlds event: 28 June 2019

On 28 June, SunGen co-hosted with the RaCE network a one-day event, Gendered Worlds.  This event featured four fabulous external speakers, and an audience from across the university as well as those from the wider community.  The speakers covered a wide range of issues relating to gender and sexuality, but could all be said to be linked by the impetus to make people visible, whether this is through casting light on the shadowy world of misogyny and sexual assault (Prof Karen Boyle’s talk on MeToo); showing women that there is a place for them in mainstream sport (Tamara Taylor); revealing the scandal of the UK immigration system when it comes to those seeking refuge from persecution on the basis of their sexuality (Aderonke Apata); or celebrating gay sexuality (Roxy Bourdillon).

The morning’s speakers, Tamara and Karen, are seen here along with our wonderful Athena Swan coordinator, Dr Julie Scanlon. Donna and Angela somehow managed to independently coordinate their outfits to represent the WSPU colours.

Professor Karen Boyle (Strathclyde University) opened the day with her inaugural professorial presentation, featuring her work on the history and development of the MeToo movement.

Tamara Taylor, world-cup winning captain of England Women’s Rugby team, was in discussion with Dr John Price (Journalism) about her life in rugby, and the challenges she faced when entering the sport as a teenager.  She gave us an insight into the way women in sport have become more accepted as sports players in the last twenty years. As women in sport become more visible, they act as positive role models and encourage more women to see the opportunities available for them.

After lunch, Aderonke Apata, founder of African Rainbow Family, in conversation with Drew Dalton (Social Sciences) told a rapt audience about the horrendous treatment of people in the UK immigration system. In escaping the homophobic colonial legacy, Aderonke recounted the psychological effect of encountering a different form of homophobia in the immigration system.

We rounded off the day with the fabulous Roxy Bourdillon, deputy editor of DIVA magazine. Roxy raised our spirits in explaining DIVA’s celebration of lesbian culture, providing visibility and identification for women who continue to face discrimination.