Conference Chair/Eminent Speakers

  • Prof. Dr. Jiri Strouhal University of Economics Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

  • Prof. Dr. Khoren Albert Mkhitaryan Armenian State University of Economics, Armenia

  • Asso. Prof. Dr. Bekim Fetaji South East European University, Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies, Republic of Macedonia

  • Prof. Edo Shonin Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom

  • Prof. David Ang Auburn University Montgomery, United States

  • Dr. Judith A. Magnetico Professor, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute Of Technology, Phillipines

  • Dr. Louicius Michel Professor, School of Business, Canadian University College, Canada

  • Assoc. Prof. Mukesh Kumar Barua Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India

  • Dr. Keith Lehrer Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University, Canada

  • Dr. Asep Juarna Associate Professor, Gunadarma University, Jakarta, Indonesia

  • Dr. Nazlina Shaari Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

  • Prof. Khalil A. El Medani Mohamed Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Science, Sharjah University, UAE

  • Prof. Dr. Y. Thaweesak King Mongkuts University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand

  • Dr. Valerie FERNANDES Dean of the Faculty Associate Professor La Rochelle Business School, France

  • Syarifah Amelia, S. Sos., M. Si. Lecturer, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia

  • Wijdan Eltijani Elsiddig Abbas Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of social and Administration Sciences, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Arabia

  • Dr. Abdulmohsen A. Dashti The English Department, The College Basic Education, Ardhiya, Kuwait

  • Dr.T.Vijaya Kumar Professor, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

  • Prof. Bahaeddin Najafi Free Islamic University, Marvdasht Branch, Iran

  • Prof. MAEDA Kazuaki Full Professor CHUBU UNIVERSITY Matsumoto-cho, Aichi, JAPAN

So, Topics of Interest for Submission include, but are Not Limited to:

I. Core Concepts and Theories

  • Defining and Deconstructing Terms: Exploring the evolving definitions, nuances, and interrelations of "LGBTQIA+", "gender," "sexuality," "identity," "sex," "expression," "orientation," "romantic attraction," and "intersectionality."
  • Queer Theory: Critiques of heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and binary systems; deconstruction of established categories of gender and sexuality.
  • Feminist Theories: Intersections of various feminist waves and approaches (e.g., Black feminism, decolonial feminism, transfeminism) with queer and trans studies.
  • Intersectionality: Analyzing how multiple social and political identities (race, class, disability, religion, nationality, age, etc.) combine to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression within LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Identity Formation and Development: Psychological, sociological, and cultural processes of developing, understanding, and affirming gender, sexual, and other identities across the lifespan.
  • Critical Theory and Social Justice: Applying critical frameworks to understand and challenge power structures, discrimination, and inequalities affecting LGBTQ+ and gender diverse individuals.

II. Histories and Archival Studies

  • LGBTQ+ Histories: Documenting and interpreting historical movements, figures, communities, and events across different global contexts and time periods.
  • Transgender History: Tracing the history of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming identities and experiences across cultures and historical eras.
  • Queer Archiving and Memory: Strategies for preserving and accessing LGBTQ+ histories, oral histories, and cultural heritage, especially those that have been marginalized or erased.
  • Hidden and Suppressed Histories: Uncovering erased or undocumented narratives of gender and sexual diversity.
  • Influence of Cultural Norms: Examining how societal attitudes, scientific understandings, and cultural norms have shaped perceptions, regulations, and experiences of gender and sexuality throughout history.
  • Global and Transnational Histories: Comparing and contrasting LGBTQ+ and gender histories across different nations and cultures.

III. Social and Cultural Dynamics

  • Representation in Media and Arts: Analysis of LGBTQ+, gender diverse, and sexually diverse representation in film, television, literature, theatre, music, visual arts, gaming, and digital media.
  • Queer Performance and Activist Art: Exploring the role of artistic expression and performance in challenging norms, advocating for social change, and building community.
  • Language and Identity: The politics of language, use of gender-neutral language and pronouns, and evolving vocabulary around gender, sexuality, and identity.
  • Cultural Norms and Attitudes: Cross-cultural comparisons of LGBTQ+ acceptance, traditional gender roles, and evolving social dynamics globally.
  • Religion, Spirituality, and Faith: Intersections of faith with LGBTQ+ identities, interpretations of sacred texts, inclusion and exclusion within religious communities, and theologies of liberation.
  • Digital Spaces and Online Communities: How online platforms and social media shape identity formation, community building, activism, dating, and experiences of both affirmation and discrimination.
  • Sports and Athletics: Inclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes, gender policies in sports, and challenging cisnormative and heteronormative structures in athletic environments.
  • Fashion and Body Image: Exploring gender expression through clothing, the impact of beauty standards, and body positivity movements within LGBTQ+ communities.

IV. Politics, Law, and Human Rights

  • LGBTQ+ Rights and Activism: Global and local movements for equality, anti-discrimination laws, policy changes, and legal advancements in areas like marriage, employment, and housing.
  • Transgender Rights: Legal recognition of gender identity, access to gender-affirming care, anti-discrimination protections, and challenges to bathroom bills and sports bans.
  • Anti-LGBTQ+ Backlash and Resistance: Analyzing conservative movements, discriminatory legislation, and strategies for counteracting them (e.g., "Don't Say Gay" laws, anti-trans legislation).
  • Gender-Based Violence: Understanding and addressing violence rooted in gender and sexual identity, including intimate partner violence, hate crimes, and violence against trans and gender non-conforming individuals (e.g., femicide, transphobic violence).
  • International Law and Human Rights: Global perspectives on LGBTQ+ and gender rights, the role of international bodies, and cross-border advocacy efforts.
  • Economic Justice and Labor Rights: Discrimination in the workplace, economic empowerment, pay gaps, and fair labor practices for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Politics of Recognition and Visibility: Debates around representation in government, public spaces, and official discourse.

V. Health and Well-being

  • LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Addressing higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide ideation in LGBTQ+ populations; developing culturally competent and affirming mental health care.
  • Transgender Healthcare: Access to gender-affirming care (hormone therapy, surgeries), mental health support for transition, and overcoming barriers in healthcare systems.
  • Sexual Health: Comprehensive sexual education, STI prevention, and promoting sexual well-being in diverse sexual populations, including Asexual and Aromantic individuals.
  • Reproductive Justice: Intersections of reproductive rights with gender and sexual identity, access to fertility treatments, and family planning for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Aging and LGBTQ+ Identity: Experiences of older LGBTQ+ adults, unique challenges, social support networks, and long-term care needs.
  • Disability Justice and Intersectional Health: Examining health disparities and access to care for disabled LGBTQ+ individuals, and building inclusive healthcare systems.
  • HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ+ Community: Historical impact, ongoing prevention efforts, treatment advancements, and destigmatization.

VI. Education and Pedagogy

  • Inclusive Education: Creating safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces in K-12 schools and higher education for LGBTQ+ and gender diverse students.
  • Curriculum Development: Integrating LGBTQ+ and gender studies into various academic disciplines, from literature and history to STEM.
  • Anti-Bullying and Discrimination Prevention: Strategies to combat prejudice, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in educational settings.
  • Supporting Gender Non-Conforming Children and Transgender Youth in Schools: Best practices for names, pronouns, facilities access, and creating supportive environments.
  • Teacher Training and Professional Development: Equipping educators to address topics of gender, sexuality, and identity with sensitivity and accuracy.
  • LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Education: Developing comprehensive and affirming sex education programs.

VII. Family, Relationships, and Community

  • Diverse Family Structures: Exploring same-sex parenting, adoption, chosen families, and other non-traditional family formations.
  • Relationships and Partnerships: Dynamics of same-sex, non-binary, and other diverse relationships; consent, intimacy, and communication.
  • Coming Out Processes: Diverse experiences of coming out, social support, and challenges across different cultural contexts and ages.
  • Community Building and Spaces: The importance of physical and digital spaces for LGBTQ+ community, activism, and cultural expression.
  • Intergenerational Dialogues: Bridging generational gaps within LGBTQ+ communities, learning from elders, and mentoring youth.

VIII. Specific Identities and Experiences

  • Bisexuality/Pansexuality: Addressing biphobia, invisibility, and unique experiences of attraction to multiple genders.
  • Asexuality and Aromanticism: Understanding these identities, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting visibility and inclusion.
  • Non-Binary and Genderqueer Identities: Exploring experiences outside the gender binary, navigation of a binary world, and evolving language and social recognition.
  • Intersex Experiences: Understanding the diversity of sex characteristics, bodily autonomy, and advocacy against non-consensual medical interventions.
  • Queer People of Color (QPOC): Centering the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color within LGBTQ+ communities, addressing racial discrimination and systemic inequalities.
  • LGBTQ+ Immigrants and Refugees: Unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum or migrating across borders.
  • Disability and Queerness: Intersections of disability with gender and sexual identity, and disability justice in LGBTQ+ spaces.