Join us for a lively discussion on challenging norms and embracing diversity in academia. Hosted by the Q+ Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team.
The 3rd Annual Queering Academia Conference will be co-hosted by Mariia Kogan, Rajat Shah, and Dibyesh Anand. This year’s conference will feature engaging panels, student-led sessions, and a keynote on Leading While Queer.
Additionally, we will highlight various organisations and charities working for LGBTQ+ causes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to walk with the University of Westminster at London Pride on 5 July.
Conference agenda
- 9.30am: Registration and networking
Arrival, check-in, and light refreshments. An opportunity to meet fellow attendees and speakers. - 10am: Welcome and introduction
Speakers: Rajat Shah, and Dibyesh Anand
Opening remarks to set the tone for the day and highlight the significance of queering academic spaces. - 11am: Panel discussion: Building Queer Careers in Higher Education
Chair: Mariia Kogan Panellists: Rosette Jäminki, Drew Simms, Lukasz Konieczka, and Ope Lori
This panel features LGBTQIA+ academics, professional services staff, PhD students, and Student Union representatives. The discussion explores the intersections between queerness and career-building in higher education, addressing challenges and offering insight for navigating academia authentically. - 12pm: NGO and charities presentations
Short talks by organisations working to support LGBTQIA+ communities through education, advocacy, and outreach. - 12.30pm: Networking lunch
A catered lunch with time for informal discussion and community building. - 1.15pm: Keynote address: “Leading While Queer”
Speakers: Professor Dibyesh Anand and Tim Roca, Member of Parliament for Macclesfield
An exploration of leadership, identity, and advocacy. Drawing on political and academic experience, the speakers will reflect on championing inclusivity while remaining true to one’s values and community. - 2pm: Workshop: “Reclaiming Queer Archives: alchemising grief, ancestral power, the surreal and dreaming Utopias”
Facilitator: Kobi Essah Ayensuo
An interactive, creative workshop engaging with queer ancestry and imagination. Participants will use writing, movement, and reflection to connect with personal and collective histories, exploring how to reclaim and reimagine the archive. - 3.30pm: Comfort break
- 3.45pm: Panel discussion: Queering the Crisis
Chair: Pippa Catterall. Panellists: Dibyesh Anand, Jonathan Glazzard, Adam Tate, and Shaun Wallace.
A session addressing how queer individuals and communities experience and respond to social, political, and global crises, with a focus on resistance, healing, and radical possibility. - 4.45pm: Closing remarks
Reflections from the Q+ Network and EDI Team. - 5pm: Networking reception
An informal reception to end the day’s formal programme. - 6pm: Open MiQ+ Night: Celebrating Pride
An evening of performance, spoken word, and expression celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices. This event will be help in The Hideaway at 309 Regent Street.
Register on eventbrite
Westminster Conversations
The Westminster Conversations series is part of our QHT-sponsored EDI programme, "Westminster for All," led by Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Employability).
We can't wait to welcome you!
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Don't miss this exciting chance to connect, celebrate diversity, and build bridges.
Location
Room B.01, Little Tichfield Street, W1W 7BY.
