Join this one-day workshop exploring how we can build stronger forms of solidarity, support, and belonging for queer diasporic communities.

About the workshop

This workshop brings together activists, researchers, students, and community organisers to explore how we can build stronger forms of solidarity, support, and belonging for queer diasporic communities in the UK and beyond. The event seeks to shed light on the lived experiences, political struggles, and community-building efforts of queer diasporic communities, while asking how institutions, universities, and local LGBTQIA+ organisations can better support this work.

Across the day, participants will reflect on the possibilities and challenges of building solidarities between LGBTQIA+ migrants and broader diasporic communities, between diasporic and local queer organisations, and across activist–researcher collaborations. The workshop will also critically engage with the tensions, exclusions, and power dynamics that shape these relationships, while exploring how arts, culture, and networks of support and care can help us move towards more just and connected queer diasporic futures.

The programme will feature a roundtable discussion with queer diasporic activists and researchers, a keynote lecture by Prof Dibyesh Anand (University of Westminster), and a spotlight presentation on an LGBTQIA+ empowerment programme, followed by a participatory activity exploring examples of best practice in building horizontal solidarity and peer-support networks for queer international students and researchers within and beyond the university. Above all, the workshop aims to create a space for dialogue, reflection, connection, and community among those engaged in queer diasporic work across activism, academia, and cultural practice.

Supported by a King’s College London EDI grant, the event is co-organised by Dr Anna Khlusova (King's College London), Masha Budryte (Queer activist and founder of Yasnaya Britannia), and Mariia Kogan (Queer activist and Senior Mentoring Officer at the University of Westminster).

Event schedule

10:00–10:30 — Tea, coffee, and pastries
10:30–10:35 — Welcome address
10:35–12:00 — Roundtable: Fostering Solidarities: Queer Diasporas between Activism and Research (Chair: Dr Anna Khlusova)
12:00–13:00 — Lunch
13:00–14:15 — Keynote lecture: Prof Dibyesh Anand
14:15–14:30 — Short break
14:30–15:00 — Spotlight presentation on the LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Programme (Mariia Kogan)
15:00–16:00 — Participatory workshop activity
16:00–18:00 — Soft drinks reception

Please note that this is a non-alcoholic event.