Selected Themes in Russian Studies: ‘Queer’ in Russian culture and society, 5 cr
- Description
- Completion options
The neo-conservative turn in Russian society has resulted in narrowing the civil rights of lgbtq people, impairing their already marginal status. The social status of sexual and gender minorities in Russia have become a frequent topic of discussion and a subject of concern since 2000s. However, what is less frequently brought up, is the history of lgbtq people in Russia.
During the so called “Silver Age”, in the turn of the 20th century, the LGBTQ people had often precarious yet important role as authors, artists and coordinators of different artistic collectives. This long legacy of Russian and Soviet cultural history lives also today. Through navigating between the different public and private spheres, several creative lgbtq collectives operate in Russia despite the obstacles posed by the present state power.
The course offers a brief overlook on the interplay and crossings between the cultural and lgbtq histories as well as contemporary forms of creative LGBTQ collectives in Russia. The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the above mentioned topics through practical examples of cultural history and activities of several civil collectives during different epochs and social and cultural contexts.
The course consists of six/seven lectures (each 2hrs), thematical course readings and a learning diary, in which students reflect what they have learned during the lectures and combined with the information provided during the lectures and with course materials including fictional texts, films, art pieces and research articles.
Preliminary topics of the lectures:
1: Brief introduction to LGBTQ history of Russia and today’s forms of activism
2. “Silver Age” as the queer “Golden Age” in Russian culture
3. “Pinks” and “blues” in Soviet Union
4. Gender politics around the perestroika
5. LGBTQ collectives of the modern Russia
6. LGBTQ culture today: rock icons and social media influencers
7. Guest lecture by a LGBTQ+ activist from Saint Petersburg