In the Arctic, queer identities and issues are rarely discussed in public, especially in Indigenous communities. Besides the common heteronormative discrimination in society, many Indigenous queer individuals are ostracized in their communities and as the result, relocate to more urban settings. The workshop examines these experiences and practices from both an academic and activist perspective. It presents Indigenous perspectives on queerness and interrogates assumptions of Indigenous heteronormativity. The workshop consists of three sessions: an academic panel on queer Indigenous studies, an activist panel on queer Indigenous experiences and reflections and a concluding academic-activist round table discussing the future prospects and challenges of queering Indigeneity and the need for queer Indigenous studies in the Arctic.

IASC can provide (partial) funding for travels of activists, early career researchers and others without institutional affiliation/funding. Please indicate the requested amount in your submission. Abstract (150 words) submission to Gertrude.Saxinger@univie.ac.at until 1st of April 2018.

Organisers: IASSA Working Group Gender in the Arctic
Dr Gertrude Saxinger, Vienna
Prof Rauna Kuokkanen, Rovaniemi
Tobias Poggats, Umeå
Prof J. Otto Habeck, Hamburg
Prof Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, Tromsø