Activist in Residence

Gender & Sexuality Activist-In-Residence Programme

This programme offers non-academic activists working around issues of gender and/or sexuality a funded residency (1-2 months with flexibility) at the University of Brighton. The aim is to foster connections and intellectual and political exchange between academics and non-academic activists. Applicants don’t need any academic background or training, just a desire to develop and share activist knowledges around gender and sexuality.

The residency will give activists access to the University’s resources (including desk space, venues/rooms, media equipment, art practice spaces, lectures, libraries, journals, a web page with long-term hosting, administrative support, and academic staff). In addition, the Activist-In-Residence will receive a budget of £2,000 to be spent on new or existing activist projects/activities, travel, accommodation, living expenses, and other desired resources to support their residency. Activists do not need an existing project to apply, and are welcome to use the time and resources just to help advance their thinking and develop new ideas.

During the residency the Activist-In-Residence will use the University’s resources to develop their activist thinking, work, or projects; and to contribute to the University’s intellectual and political culture. We hope that the Activist-In-Residence will directly engage the University’s staff and students in some way – this might involve:

Meeting, discussing, and working with academic staff, students, and local activists
Explaining their work and thought in a public presentation
Running a workshop
Planning an arts exhibition
Writing a publication
Designing a zine, video, or podcast

We welcome applications from activists who do critical work around many issues of gender and sexuality, from a variety of perspectives. This might include (but is by no means limited to):

Menstrual liberation and period activism
Queer men’s body image
Asexuality and ace activism
Spaces of misogynoir
Bi invisibility in the media
Reproductive rights and abortion
Digital media and dating apps
Activisms based in LGBTQ subcultures
Domestic abuse and coercive control
Pride events and people of colour
Improving intersex healthcare
Histories of gender and sexuality activisms

To apply for the University of Brighton’s Gender & Sexuality Activist-in-Residence Programme, please complete the application form and send to sexgencentre@brighton.ac.uk by 20 March 2020. A successful applicant will be chosen by a selection panel from CTSG and Radical Futures, including an activist from the local area. When reviewing applications the panel will consider: the fit with the ethos and aims of the CTSG and Radical Futures; the potential for cultural and societal impact; the potential for dialogue and knowledge exchange between the hosting institution and the activist in residence. The decision will be announced in March, and the residency is expected to begin from April (with some flexibility). The residency must have been completed and approved costs claimed by end of July 2020.

International applications are welcome but while we are happy to provide a letter of invitation the programme cannot pay for visas. Individuals who wish to represent larger activist groups are welcome to apply. Download the application form here.