The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA will host a 2018 Join the Dialogue conference on the theme "Queer in Africa: Challenges and Pathways to Inclusion." The format of the daylong interactive and collaborative event will include traditional paper sessions, roundtables, and keynote address. The conference committee invites contributions from scholars (affiliated and independent), students, researchers, practitioners, and activists from across disciplines and regions who offer attention to the history of sexuality in African societies and the breadth of public policy, religious, social, cultural, economic and health issues facing sexual minority populations in Africa and the Diaspora. Areas for possible engagement include but are not limited to gender and queer studies, history, law, politics, human rights, literature, popular cultures, health, anthropology and sociology. The conference promises to provide an opportunity for participants to engage the changing character of violence against LGBTQ+ persons, international and national policy issues, patterns of mobilization by activists, as well as the outcomes. The conference seeks to unveil the emerging directions in social and political mobilization for LGBTQ+ rights, while opening-up new pathways for critical academic and social discourse.

This interdisciplinary conference will be held at Lehigh University's campus in Bethlehem, PA, which is located less than 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia. The organizers have some funding to assist with travel and accommodation expenses. Funding will be distributed based on the significance of the proposal and on indicated need. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide funding for all participants. To help you estimate your costs, lodging information can be found on our conference information page. Breakfast and lunch are included as part of the conference. Those interested in participating are invited to submit 200-word abstract/proposal related to the conference to the organizing committee online by January 5, 2017 for consideration. Those accepted to present at the conference will be notified by January 12, 2018. Please contact incasip@lehigh.edu with questions about the conference.

Sincerely,

Kwame Essien Ph.D.

Assistant Professor (African & African Diaspora History)

Director of Lee Iacocca Internship in Ghana & Lehigh in Ghana Study Abroad Program

Lehigh University

Department of History & Africana Studies

9 West Packer Avenue

Bethlehem, PA 18015