SPW is organizing a series of Regional Dialogues on Sexuality and Geopolitics, to convene in Asia (Vietnam, April 2009), Latin America (Brazil, August 2009) and Africa (Ethiopia, early 2010). Inspired by the studies that form the e-book SexPolitics: Reports from the Front Lines, the Regional Dialogues aim at expanding the knowledge and understanding that emerged from this previous research efforts and to more organically articulate global analysis and regional and national processes of research and activism.  The dialogues will provide a venue to discuss and think more deeply and complexly about shifts in the geopolitical landscape of the politics of sexuality.

For example, the official stance against homophobia in Brazil and Cuba, although it contrasts with ongoing episodes of state policing of sexual diversity and freedom, signifies an opening, a bit of promise, in a global scenario that remains dangerous for many sexual outlaws. On the other hand, both militarism and religious extremism, far from subsiding, are proliferating in many different and problematic ways. Whether in India, Peru, South Africa or the halls of the UN, our observations confirm that sexual discourse and experience are embedded in power relations and inextricably intertwined with inequalities based race, ethnicity, gender and class.

The Regional Dialogues on Sexuality and Geopolitics will map and analyze these complexities in an atmosphere that represents regional diversity and multiple perspectives. The Dialogues are intended to be applicable to all target regions yet adaptable to specific circumstances. Each Dialogue will consist of meetings to take place over three to four days. Based on its particular location and timing, each Dialogue will develop its own subjects of interest, design and flow.

All of the Dialogues will be organized around an overarching framework that privileges two theoretical constructs of sexuality – politics and culture. The conversations will also explore key areas of intersection: sexuality and political processes, sexuality and economies, sexuality and religion and sexuality and science. This framework is meant to facilitate the choice of specific subjects to be explored in each Dialogue and to allow for cross-regional comparisons and analyses.

The Regional Dialogues are open to SPW members and invited guests. Information about the debates and presentations, as well as the results from them, will be available online and in print after each of the meetings.

For more information, please contact the SPW Secretariat at admin@sxpolitics.org