Queering the Groove

A two-day online conference celebrating the relationship between LGBTI/Queer identities and pop music.

From Dolly Parton, Little Richard and dance music, to less perceptibly equated, yet equally queer explorations, the upcoming DCU Queering The Groove seminar serves to consolidate pop’s place as a soundtrack to our lives, and to celebrate its role as an enduring and potently queer cultural force.

This unique two-day online conference takes place on 21st and 22nd October to celebrate pop music as a cultural force and explore its role in the development of identity and creation of 'safe spaces' among queer audiences. 

The plenary speaker for the conference is none other than noted author, writer, broadcaster, and blogger, Darryl W. Bullock. Described as “a veritable bard of the bent, broken and Baroque” by Andy Partridge of XTC, many will be familiar with Darryl, from his published work and numerous contributions, where he specifically applies his attention to the areas where sexuality, specifically LGBTQI sexualities, have intersected with pop music.

The event is organised by the EROSS (Expressions: Research, Orientations Sexuality Studies) group at DCU, a network of academic and creative explorations in sexualities, sexual orientations and gender identities carried out at Dublin City University by staff/postgraduate researchers. 

EROSS convenor and Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature and Sexuality Studies at Dublin City University, Jean-Philippe Imbert said: “We are thrilled to provide a platform at DCU, for academics, artists & music fans, to come together at this junction, to celebrate the rich intersecting relationship between sexuality and pop music. Our speakers will ensure a diverse and robust discussion, throughout this celebration of all things queer pop related."

Fellow conference organiser and Irish Research Council PhD scholar at DCU's School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), David Carroll, added: “Importantly, the online conference will allow us to broaden the net of discourse, and the programme includes a plethora of Irish and international speakers."

Further conference highlights will feature contributions from several noted queer artists, musicians, and commentators, including Shaz Oye, Martin McCann, Veda Beaux Reves & Marlon Jimenez.

Registration and programme

Register here for the event. 

You can also read more about the programme and special guests here. 

For any other queries, you can contact:

David Carroll – 087-0611426 david.carroll53@dcu.mail.ie

Jean-Philippe Imbert  jean-philippe.imbert@dcu.ie