In the third episode of the EDI podcast series 'The elephant in the room', EUI History Professor, Benno Gammerl, and History researcher, Monica Morado Vásquez, discuss how 'queering history' can uncover new perspectives, revealing the complexities and contradictions within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual and other gender and sexual identities (LGBTQIA+) through time.
In this episode, they trace the history of Pride back to the Stonewall riots and examine the issue of erasure in the way historical events are transmitted through generations, particularly affecting trans and non-binary people, as well as queer people of colour. These groups played a crucial role in early Pride protests, where the demonstrations represented acts of resistance against systemic oppression more than celebrations. Despite the progress made, violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals persist today, making the recovery of this collective memory even more important.
"There is always a danger to assume that things are getting better, but that is unfortunately not the case. There are always contradictory dynamics that happen simultaneously, and looking at queer history helps us understand that. There are achievements and rights that are won, but there is also renewed hostility," explains Professor Gammerl. "Queering history is a very stimulating thing to do, it makes history self-critical. It is being critical about the way we understand identity, time, sources and methods. For the historical principle it can be very enriching, it can help us be interdisciplinary and open up historical research to activism," added Monica.
The episode delves into the controversy over rainbow capitalism, pinkwashing, and corporate sponsorships, which according to some members of the LGBTQIA+ community, can have adverse impacts on Pride parades and have sparked critical responses in the planning of Pride activities.
Professor Gammerl and Monica also shared some of their favourite Pride moments and discuss the role that academic institutions should play in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.
To mark Pride Month this year, the EDI podcast team took it to the EUI campus to explore what Pride means to the community and discuss how people can support LGBTQIA+ rights throughout the year.
Below is a list of songs and films compiled by the podcast's speakers to commemorate Pride Month:
Listen to the episode on:
SoundCloud, MixCloud, or YouTube.
Episode details:
Host: Giuseppe Zago, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the EUI
Guests: Benno Bastian Gammerl, Professor of History of Gender and Sexuality at the EUI History Department
Monica Morado Vásquez, PhD researcher in Gender and Sexuality and History of Emotions
This initiative was produced in collaboration with the EUI's researcher-led web radio, Radio Cavolo. Do you have a question about the podcast? Drop a line to [email protected].