Panel UACES 46th Annual Conference (London, 5-7 September 2016)
In recent years, we have witnessed an increased visibility of LGBT politics in the Western Balkans. Under EU pressure, countries in the region have adopted new legislation outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation (and in some cases gender identity). At the same time, visibility tactics of LGBT activists have become more prominent. This is especially the case with Pride Parades, repeatedly banned in some cases, and held successfully in others. With the increased attention, we also witness more political homophobia and resistance by political leaders, right-wing organisation and religious opponents. LGBT activist are by nationalist movements and religious leaders identified as a threat to the nation. Alternatively, the political elite has used LGBT rights as a way of showing their progress in their European Integration process, or at other times, to divert attention from other political contentious topics. Despite this, LGBT politics in the Western Balkan remains relatively understudied. In this panel we want to contribute to the growing literature on LGBT politics in the region. We invite papers that deal with the different aspects of LGBT politics and activism in the Western Balkans. Topics include, but are not limited, to the role of the EU in the evolution of LGBT rights, the nationalist opposition against LGBT rights and visibility, and the media representation of LGBT people. Additionally, we invite paper that study the mobilisation of the LGBT movement, as well as its link with the LGBT population.
Abstracts should send to K.slootmaeckers@qmul.ac.uk and filip.ejdus@bristol.ac.uk before 15 January 2016. The proposals should include full name(s) of author(s), university/institution, postal address, email address, title of the paper, keyword(s), and a 250-word abstract.
We plan to submit the panel to the UACES Annual conference (5-7 September 2016, Queen Mary University of London) which will then decide on acceptance. Therefore, even for accepted abstracts, there is no guarantee that they will be chosen, as the final decision rests with the UACES and NOT the panel proposers. Panelist will also be required to finance their own participation to the conference.
