CALL FOR PAPERS
18th Annual Black New England Conference
Living Out Loud: The Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
Deadline June 1, 2024
The intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation has been historically intertwined, reflecting the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression within society. Throughout history, marginalized communities have faced multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization, exacerbating their struggles for recognition, equality, and justice.
From the civil rights movement to voting rights to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, individuals at the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation have played pivotal roles in challenging oppressive systems and advocating for social change. Individuals who navigate multiple marginalized identities continue to influence contemporary experiences through the arts, culture, and activism.
The 18th Annual Black New England Conference will highlight the history of Black LGBTQ trailblazers and their contributions to American history, explore evolving cultural norms, gender roles and presentation, depiction in popular culture, and finally emerging movements. The conference will offer a forward-looking perspective, envisioning potential future trends and possibilities for greater inclusivity, equity, and social change. We will celebrate success stories of both individuals and institutions that serve as beacons of hope for current generations to authentically live out their identities.
The three facilitated panel discussions will explore themes of:
- Black Queer History is America’s History: History of Black LGBTQ trailblazers and their contributions to American history, and How Black Queer culture shaped history
- Culture: gender roles and presentation; the depictions and influence of queer culture on dress language and art, activism; health disparities and mental health; and Protecting Our Most Vulnerable: Centering Black Queerness in the Fight for Equality
- Moving Forward: Trends for the Future including gender nonconformity, social media, media and beyond
Submission Guidelines for your Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for a 10-minute presentation. Abstracts should be no more than 200 words and should be submitted along with a brief biography to info@blackheritagetrailnh.org no later than June 1, 2024. Notification of acceptance will be sent no later than July 26, 2024.
The Black New England Conference is an annual gathering where academics, artists, activists, and community members share insights and research on Black experiences, past and present, in New England and beyond. The Conference is both an academic conference and a celebration of Black life and history. BNEC is a hybrid in-person/virtual one day conference to be held on October 5, 2024 at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester NH. Content will include 3 facilitated panels, a mid-day Keynote, and evening awards event.
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) envisions a New Hampshire where communities understand and celebrate a people’s history of resilience, versatility, and courage, and come together to overcome racial division. BHTNH promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life to build more inclusive communities today. Our programs include historical education, celebrations of culture, and facilitated intellectual discussions and community dialogue. As such, the Annual Black New England Conference is a cornerstone program designed to engage audiences at various stages of learning, reinforce and deepen learning, and increase the number of people having conversations about race. We believe the depth of those conversations ultimately increases understanding and empowers participants to develop attitudes of tolerance and acceptance of the dignity of every person through a learning experience of a more inclusive history of New Hampshire and beyond.
