The idea for the conference emerged from conversations with fellow researchers about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ academics working in education research.
Lis said: “We shared a sense of disappointment with how, at these events, queer academics are often scheduled for sessions at the same time as each other, meaning it was hard to connect with the people who care about queer research. So, we decided to organise our own Queer Educational Research conference two years from then.
“The conference was eventually held the next year and that truly left me in awe of what small communities can do when they connect and make things happen. It was an extraordinary day full of queer joy. To see that recognised on an international platform feels incredibly affirming and has inspired us all to keep nurturing and growing our community. We need it now more than ever.”
The conference featured workshops on topics including queer ethical toolkits, applied theatre and LGBTQ+ youth experiences, and trans and queer pedagogies in fashion. Actor, politician and activist Lord Michael Cashman CBE delivered the keynote address.
That idea became QueerER, held at Anglia Ruskin University in June, with a programme spanning research, education and practice and creating opportunities for delegates to develop new connections and collaborations.
For Lis, the event demonstrated the impact that can come from creating dedicated spaces for researchers, educators and practitioners to connect and co-create.
Delegates described the conference as an inspiring and purposeful academic event and praised it as a space where queer lives, experiences and futures were centred.
The initiative has continued to grow beyond the conference itself, with QueerER now established as an annual event. It has also provided a platform for LGBTQ+ education researchers to connect and share their work, helped establish a book series with Emerald Publishing, strengthened links between universities and supported early career researchers.
The conference was delivered through the voluntary efforts of the organising team, with support from the University of Brighton’s Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Derby and the University of Bedfordshire.