Special interest group:
LGBTQIA+ Screen Studies

Convenors:  

• Jade Evans (Queen Mary University of London)
• Sarah Godfrey (University of East Anglia)
• Robyn Ollett (University of Stirling/Teesside University) 
• Chris O’Rourke (University of Warwick)
• Matt Weaver (University of Portsmouth)

Contact

• [email protected]

Overview

Since the inception of Queer Theory in the early 1990s, LGBTQIA+ screen studies has grown exponentially as a discipline in itself, especially in recent years. Connecting film, television, and screen studies with studies in sex, gender, and sexuality, LGBTQIA+ screen studies draws upon a wide range of critical methodologies which serve to theorise LGBTQIA+ representation and visibility across a diverse spectrum of screen media. As well as interdisciplinary analyses of representational and thematic strategies, LGBTQIA+ screen studies also examines changes in industry practice, modes of exhibition, new approaches to distribution, and media audiences in their historical and contemporary contexts.
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BAFTSS’ LGBTQIA+ Screen Studies SIG aims to bring together scholars and practitioners with an interest in research, whether practice-based or otherwise, that relates to LGBTQIA+ issues. The SIG seeks to create a professional network where peers and colleagues can exchange ideas and collaborate on future projects, building a safe and inclusive support system. In building such a safe and inclusive support system, the SIG acknowledges the diverse experiences that the LGBTQIA+ acronym bands together and will give due regard to each and every group encompassed, further committing to platform those who are more often marginalised. In the SIG’s commitment to this promise, it is keen to explore the intersection between LGBTQIA+ lives and other determining factors such as disability, race, and ethnicity, and commits to aid these efforts.​​

Prior to each BAFTSS annual conference, the SIG will work to facilitate panels relating to LGBTQIA+ screen studies, further providing post-conference development opportunities such as peer-to-peer feedback sessions and publication in guest-edited issues of selected academic journals.​
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In addition to the organisational aims of the BAFTSS’ LGBTQIA+ Screen Studies SIG, convenors will expand the current SIG activities to:​
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• Create and maintain social media channels and a website with information on SIG activities, new developments in the field, and opportunities to circulate publications and research activities from SIG members
• Facilitate SIG networking events, both virtually and in person, to support collegial community beyond the BAFTSS annual conference
• Promote enrichment events for SIG members throughout the year: events include, but are not limited to, SIG reading groups, SIG-affiliated symposia and screenings
• Develop and maintain channels of communication with other SIGs and organisations around the world, as well as BAFTSS, that are concerned with LGBTQIA+ screen studies

Reports on activities

• LGBTQIA+ Screen Studies SIG Funding Report (Richard Dyer Essay Prize)
• Report on the 2021 Seminar Series

Founding members

• Adam Vaughn (Solent University) 
• ​​Amy Harris (De Montfort University)
• Adam Herron (Northumbria University) 
• ​Andrew Moor (Manchester Metropolitan University) 
• Barry Nevin (Technological University Dublin)
• Benjamin Dalton (King’s College London) 
• Carol Siegel (Washington State University) 
• Chris O’Rourke (University of Lincoln) 
• Christopher Lloyd (University of Hertfordshire) 
• Clara Bradbury-Rance (King’s College, London) 
• Connor Winterton (Birmingham City University)
• Darren Elliott-Smith (University of Stirling) 
• Edward Lamberti (King’s College, London)
• Gary Needham (University of Liverpool)
• Geoffrey Maguire (University of Cambridge)
• Heshen Xie (University of Nottingham) 
• Hongwei Bao (University of Nottingham)
• James Slattery (University of Manchester)
• Jeffrey A. Geiger (University of Essex) ​
• John Mercer (Birmingham City University) 
• Jose Arroyo (University of Warwick)
• Leanne Dawson (University of Edinburgh)
• Liz Harvey-Kattou (University of Westminster)
• Maria San Fillipo (Goucher College) 
• Michael Williams (University of Southampton) 
• Qi Li (King's College, London)
• Samantha Colling (Manchester Metropolitan University) 
• Searle Kochberg (University of Portsmouth)
• Theresa Heath (King’s College London)
• Connor Winterton (Birmingham City University)