Transitioning is a process that everyone who changes their gender identity or gender characteristics goes through. Nevertheless, it’s a process that everyone experiences differently. The fundamental right to determine your body and identity is one that generations of LGBTQ+ activists have fought for over decades in Germany and worldwide. For young people affected today, new questions prevail – and that’s the focus of the 27th conference of the Disruption Network Lab (17–19.06.2022). Over three days, experts, artists and activists from across Europe will meet at Kunstquartier Bethanien to exchange ideas and discuss gender transitioning in the context of politics, medicine, technology, culture and games in a transdisciplinary and intergenerational way. Besides panels and lectures, the program will feature workshops, film screenings, performances and Q&As with representatives from trans communities.
For the “Performing Gender, Beyond Gender” panel on Friday (17.06), French artist and art therapist Anaïs Héraud-Louisadat will talk with Stephen Bottoms – Professor of Contemporary Theatre and Performance at the University of Manchester – about the late performance artist Diane Torr. The same evening, Berlin performer Bridge Markland will perform “King-ing the Drag – Drag-ing the King” before taking questions from the audience. On Saturday, Anastasiia Yeva Domani from Cohort NGO will speak about the situation of the trans community in Ukraine. In one of two workshops on Sunday, activists and researchers Os Keyes and Mallory Moore will show how anti-trans movements can be localized and monitored. This is followed by “Sex n Drag n Rock n Role”, a screening by Anaïs Héraud-Louisadat, who has curated a film selection celebrating Torr’s life. Being able to live out one’s self is a fundamental right that applies to all people; the fight for trans rights is thus one that affects us all. This conference gives space to communities and creates visibility for perspectives and issues which are important not just for those affected, but to anyone who wants to live in a democratic, pluralistic society.
Text: Hanna Komornitzyk / Photos: Margarita Kosi, Maria Silvano & Nadine Nelken
Kunstquartier Bethanien, Mariannenplatz 2, 10997 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Transitioning: Art, Politics & Technologies of Gender Change from the Disruption Network Lab (17–19.06.2022). Tickets available online.
@disruptionnetworklab
