French and Francophone Philosophers and the Development of LGBTQIA+ Movements in the 20th Century

This international one-day conference, held during LGBTQ+ History Month, will explore the relationship between French and Francophone philosophy and the development of LGBTQIA+ movements across the twentieth century. The intellectual contributions of figures such as Simone de Beauvoir, Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Monique Wittig, and Hélène Cixous profoundly shaped how we think about gender, sexuality, embodiment, and power. Their ideas crossed borders and disciplines, providing key foundations for feminist and queer theory, and influencing the strategies of activists, artists, and scholars. The aim of this event is to bring together academic research, creative expression, and political engagement. In doing so, it highlights not only the philosophical underpinnings of queer thought but also the ways in which theory interacts with activism, performance, and literature. By situating these discussions during LGBTQ+ History Month, the conference celebrates both the intellectual history and the ongoing struggles of queer communities worldwide. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Elliot Evans (University of Birmingham), a prolific scholar of French and Francophone thought and queer theory. Alongside Dr. Evans, we will welcome a second keynote speaker, the famous Moroccan LGBTQIA+ author and film director, (Dr.) Abdellah Taïa, each of whom will offer a different and complementary perspective.