An opportunity for academics to explore and discuss LGBTQ+ texts in a Workshop at the National Library f Wales and for creative people to create new works in the field.
20 September 2024 - Research and Practice Workshop
5 July 2025 - Conference
Email cymraeg@aber.ac.uk to express interest stating your academic/creative interests (approx 300 words)
We are looking for academic contributors to explore LGBTQ+ texts, as well as creative people to compose new texts in the field. Two events will be held at the National Library of Wales.
20 September 2024 - Research and Practice Workshop
5 July 2025 - Conference
More details on both events can be found below.
The Project
'Testunau'r Enfys' (Rainbow Texts) is a collaborative project that explores LGBTQ+ representation and identities and intersectionality in the Welsh-language literary canon, paying attention to a range of historical and contemporary literary texts.
The aim of the project is to stimulate new research and support and mentor the contributors of the Workshop to develop their academic or creative contributions for the Conference. Beyond the two activities, the project team will work with contributors to develop the output of the Workshop and Conference into an academic and creative Welsh medium resource.
The project team wishes to develop the field by fostering new and experienced researchers. There will be an opportunity for new researchers to be mentored to prepare a paper or contribution to the Conference. There will be a maximum of 25 places for the Workshop and we ask that you commit to both the Workshop and the Conference.
To register your interest, please e-mail cymraeg@aber.ac.uk stating your academic/creative interests (approx 300 words).
Details about the Workshop and Conference
A 'Rainbow Texts' Workshop and Conference will be held and contributors are expected to commit to both events:
20 September 2024 - Research and Practice Workshop: National Library of Wales
The aim of the Workshop is to create a supportive space for researchers and creative practitioners to come together to network and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the field. In the Workshop we will examine the archive of the National Library of Wales in order to stimulate new research in the field of LHDTC+ literature and theory. We will also identify further opportunities to collaborate and apply for funding to develop this project and related projects.
5 July 2025 - Conference: National Library of Wales
Contributors to the Workshop will be able to present papers at the Conference, or develop interviews, discussion panels, and presentations (e.g. creative work or performance that goes beyond traditional academic practice). The Conference will be open to a wider audience.
The Rainbow Texts Team
This project builds on the teaching and research expertise of an experienced team:
- Cathryn A. Charnell-White (Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies Aberystwyth University): research on gender and historical and contemporary women's literature.
- Gareth Llŷr Evans (Aberystwyth University Department of Film Television and Theatre): research on contemporary theatre and performance using queer theories and frameworks.
- Gareth Evans-Jones (Bangor University School of History, Law and Social Sciences): research on gender, slavery, Wales and the USA; author and editor of the first collection of LGBTQ+ literature in Welsh, Curiadau (2023).
- Rhiannon Marks (Cardiff University Welsh School): research on gender and sexuality in contemporary literature and 'Reading Identities' project sponsored by the AHRC.