(non)normativity … nevertheless!

National Queer Conference

23^rd to 25^th September 2011

Organized by Sappho for Equality

Anita Banerjee Memorial Hall

Jadavpur University

Kolkata

Concept note

 

Normativity or the absence of it has intrigued the thinking person’s mind since these terms were first coined. We all had begun with the understanding of non-normative as the gender/sexual ‘deviant’, who cannot be stereotyped within the binary understandings of the ‘normative’ society. It normatively meant the LGBTIKQ, but in today’s context, the umbrella term LGBTIKQ is under question and so are the non-normative characteristics.

 

We, at Sappho for Equality on the other hand, have raised questions as to how normative is the ‘taken for granted’ non-normative? And what is the notional normative? Is it that the society, the state, the mindset of a certain milieu, determines normativity or its absence? Is it a cultural construct? Is it temporal? Does the given non-normative actually carry a very structured normative boundary within?

 

We have raised questions and we want not just answers but a flow of understanding, exchange of thoughts, sharing of ideas and emergence of a new cult!

 

Calling all interested individuals, groups, students, activists, young professionals, academicians to think, challenge and rewrite (non)normativity. To bring out the binary bondage of the supposedly non-normative and to unearth the potential non-normative wrongly bound within normative expressions.

 

It is a conference to experiment with your wackiest ideas and consolidate your structured-most expressions towards a kaleidoscopic understanding of (non)normativity. We welcome you all to create some challenging ideas that will change the whole notion of (non)normativity for all of us!

 

We have developed a few sub themes so that you are able to channelize your thoughts better.

 

Sub-theme 1: Understanding (non)normativity: In this section we would be looking at papers that deal with historical, sociological and cultural theories related to (non)normativity in an attempt to challenge the existing and create a more comprehensive definition.

 

Sub-theme 2: Politicizing (non)normativity: In this section papers on the politics around (non)normativity, its usage in the social sector, and critique of the existing understanding could be presented.

 

Sub-theme 3: Gendering (non)normativity: In this section (non)normativity within the gender binary and how the idea of ‘variant’ has arrived, could be discussed. Questioning the existing binary and recreating cultural practices can also be a part of this sub theme.

 

Sub-theme 4: Sexualizing (non)normativity. This is a section where (non)normativity will be bounced against sexuality, sexual practices, sexual relationships, and the (non)normative process of sexualisation of an individual, could be discussed.

 

Sub-theme 5: Living (non)normativity. In this section, real life (non)normativity will be discussed and challenged.

 

Sub theme 6: Performing (non)normativity. In this section creative expressions of (non)normativity will be portrayed and discussed. These may include short films, dramatic expressions, poster presentation or musicals or any other creative expression that brings out/challenges/defines/defies (non)normativity.

 

Media plays an important role in controlling the social psyche. Media and its usage can, therefore, be included in every sub-theme.

 

Conference language is English, but Hindi as the national language and Bangla as the regional language can be included especially for sub-theme 6. But presenters would be requested to provide the organizers English translation of their presentations well in advance for circulation if their paper is selected. Each presenter will get 15 minutes to present her/his paper or performance which will be followed by a 15 minutes discussion.

 

Please send your 500 words abstract on or before 6th August 2011, on any sub theme (not more than two; only one will be selected) to sapphoqueerconference@gmail.com and join the gang!

 

Selected presenters will be provided with free accommodation and travel (AC 3-tier train fare) expenses. There is no registration fee for participation. You can also register as non-presenter participant of the conference. For that please mail to sapphoqueerconference@gmail.com by 6^th August 2011, since number of seats is limited. For outstation non-presenter participants, unfortunately, we will not be able to arrange for accommodation and travel due to constraint of funds.