Trans and Intersex Histories in the Middle Ages, panel at the 2024 International Medieval Congress, University of Leeds, July 1–4, 2024
In recent years, transgender and intersex studies have grown to become one of the most vibrant and dynamic research areas within the field of medieval gender and sexuality. Scholars have reinterpreted well-known historical subjects through a trans lens and have uncovered previously unknown trans lives in the medieval archive. New research has explored the place of transness and intersexuality within broader scientific, theological and legal ideological frameworks, as well as the interconnectedness of medieval thinking on transness, race and human/animal difference. However, these themes still remain at the margins of medieval scholarship, and their potentially substantial contributions to other fields remain overlooked by many researchers.
We aim to create a space for scholarly discussions on medieval transgender and intersex studies at Leeds IMC 2024. Consequently, we are seeking abstracts on trans and intersex histories. We especially welcome papers that bring this material into conversation with other fields and methodologies, from theological studies to legal history and beyond. Submissions from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome, and papers can pertain to any geographic region or time period between 300 and 1500.
Papers might explore topics such as:
- Transness and archival methodologies
- Intersexuality in law, medicine and pastoral care
- Networks, communities and subcultures
- Trans and intersex studies in the Global Middle Ages
- Trans medievalisms, heritage and public engagement
Organizers
Tess Wingard, University of York
Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, University of York