15th Day of Gender Research in Saxony-Anhalt Allyship and Solidarity(ies) – Strengthening Perspectives in Gender and Queer Studies

November 12, 2026 | Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Campus Welcome Center

The 15th Day of Gender Research in Saxony-Anhalt, under the title “Allyship and Solidarity(ies) – Strengthening Perspectives in Gender and Queer Research”, explores the themes of solidarity, responsibility and mutual support. Against this backdrop, early-career researchers, postdocs and students are warmly invited to contribute their own papers.

The conference focuses on the concepts of allyship and solidarity(ies) as key reference points for examining how academic actors position themselves in relation to social inequalities, political dynamics and one another. This includes questions of responsibility, forms of alliance-building, and the conditions under which solidarity-based action becomes possible. At the same time, attention is drawn to the ambivalences, tensions and limitations of such practices. In this context, specific perspectives—such as male allyship—may also contribute to reflecting on responsibility and solidarity.

The deliberate use of the plural “solidarity(ies)” highlights the diversity of forms and contexts in which solidarity is created, claimed, or contested. Perspectives on care and caregiving, self-positioning, as well as institutional and societal frameworks, are also highly relevant in this regard.

Furthermore, the conference is intended as a space that showcases the diversity of gender and queer studies and highlights their role as a critical, reflexive, and socially engaged field of knowledge production. In this spirit, we welcome contributions that approach gender and queer studies not only as an analytical field, but also examine the role they can play in shaping democratic, plural, and solidarity-based knowledge spaces— particularly in times of social polarisation and transformation.

Possible topics include (but are not limited to):

• Allyship, solidarities, and their ambivalences
• Care work/care practices and self-care in the context of allyship and solidarity(ies)
• Allyship and concepts of masculinity in engagement with feminist and queer perspectives
• Gender and queer studies in the context of societal transformations and political developments
• The role of alliances and solidarity-based networks for gender and queer research

Particularly in times of social and political upheaval, we invite contributions that open up new perspectives, critically engage with existing approaches, and expand the discourse in gender and queer studies. Submissions beyond these thematic areas are therefore also welcome.

The aim of the Day of Gender Research is to highlight current research on gender- and queer-related topics, as well as contributions from the fields of art and design that engage with gender perspectives. The event also seeks to foster networking among participants and to create a space for exchange, discussion, and interdisciplinary dialogue. We warmly invite early-career researchers, artists, and designers from Saxony-Anhalt and beyond to present their work, and we especially encourage submissions of work-in-progress projects.Formats and Submission

Submissions are invited for the following presentation formats (please indicate your preferred format):

• Presentations (approx. 30 minutes presentation + 10 minutes discussion)
• Poster presentations (as part of a poster exhibition with a short presentation)

For both formats, please submit an abstract (max. 600 words) including:

• Author(s)
• Title of the contribution
• Short description of the proposed contribution, including theoretical and methodological frameworks
• Institutional affiliation and contact details

Submission deadline: August 1, 2026

Please send submissions to: info kgc-sachsen-anhalt de 

Childcare will be available during the event.

You will receive notification regarding the acceptance of your submission by August 31, 2026.

For questions regarding the call or the event, please contact the Coordination Office for Gender Research & Equal Opportunities Saxony-Anhalt (KGC):

• via email: info kgc-sachsen-anhalt de 
• by phone: +49 391 6758905 (Michaela Frohberg) or other organising staff