Workshop 'Transdiverse - academia meets activism. Exploring cultural representations, allyship and collaboration'

In the last decade the appearance of transgender people in public media as well as in fictional representation has risen exponentially, followed by a huge backlash in the public discourse and public policy concerning transgender rights, as for example in the US, where anti-trans bills have increased significantly, reaching the number of 532 anti-trans bills in 2024 (https://translegislation.com/).

Ester Jiresch (RUG) will talk about theoretical approaches to transgender representations in contemporary novels and their importance for both transgender and cisgender readers. Miles Tanhira (TGEU) will talk about his work as researcher and experience as a transdiverse activist in Europe. Together they will lead the discussion and explore allyship and possible collaborations between academia and activism.

The discussion will followed by drinks.

About the speakers

Ester Jiresch (she/her) is an assistant professor at the Department of European Languages and Cultures (RUG). Her research interests include Swedish culture and literature, comparative literature, cultural transmission and transfer, (trans)gender studies and humor studies.

Miles Rutendo Tanhira (he/him) is a Zimbabwean-Swedish international migration researcher, communications and collective organizing strategist, feminist, peace, and LGBTQ rights activist. As a refugee and a man of trans experience Tanhira is passionate about reframing the narrative of historically disadvantaged communities as reflected in his work and activism. He currently works as Senior Programmes Officer at TGEU.

This event is organized by Ester Jiresch and Claudia Minchilli in collaboration with ICOG, Center for Gender studies and YARN.