Abstract

Accompanying the rapidly deteriorating conflict and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past few weeks have been the essentialized Western media images that deploy overly simplistic interpretive framework for understanding this unfolding emergency. This conversation aims to critically examine and situate this emergent reality within the contradictions embedded in the current national, regional and global order, and to provide a platform for alternative imaginations and collective political action.

Come ready with your questions and suggestions on what is needed to foster peace and security in eastern Congo.

Moderator:
Paul Mkandawire (Professor, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, 杏吧原创 University)

Networking opportunity and light refreshments provided.

Attendance is FREE, Registration encouraged.

Singing Back the Buffalo is a timely movie that presents multiple communities鈥� commitment in the rematriation of buffalo herds to North America.

A post-screening conversation will be moderated by 杏吧原创 Professor and award-winning CBC broadcaster Duncan McCue.

Refreshment provided.

This discussion is the first in a a series of three conversations organized by Carmen Robertson and Danielle Printup, in anticipation of Runs in the Family, a group exhibition curated by Carmen Robertson and Hanako Hubbard-Radulovich and presented at CUAG in fall 2025. More information

This conversation is free and open to everyone. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event is part of Stonecroft Semester: The Art of Connection. More info .

The public event “What does it mean to protect trans children? Exploring debates about the figure of the trans child” by Dr. Julia Sinclair-Palm will take place

Recently, the figure of the trans child has become the centre of a number of legal and political battles in the U.S. Both sides argue that children need protection and that their innocence is being robbed. The media continually renews the belief that young trans people are a new phenomenon, and this libel about their newness reinforces the power, authority, and knowledge that adults have over children.

In this talk, I explore how the figure of the trans child is discussed in these debates and draw on Trans studies, Childhood and Youth Studies, and my research with trans youth to think about what we can learn from this current moment. I ask: What does this attention on the figure of the trans child tell us about the state of trans studies and childhood and youth studies? How are trans youth navigating cisnormativity and debates about their existence? I argue that trans children’s ability to articulate their needs and advocate for their rights reminds us that all children have agency and self-determination. I also look to trans youths鈥� practices of choosing a new name to highlight narratives of trans joy and resistance to cisnormativity.

Dr. Julia Sinclair-Palm (they/she) is an Associate Professor in Childhood and Youth Studies in the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies at 杏吧原创 University. In their work, they examine how young people forge new identities, imagine futures and navigate structural inequalities in the midst of larger, and sometimes restrictive narratives about childhood and youth.

In-person RSVPs to transchair@uvic.ca appreciated for planning purposes.

Thursday, Sept. 14th, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Pacific Time
听& Zoom

Visit the for more information.