On Thursday 27th November 2025, from 09:00-10:30 GMT, Katie Sutton will be leading an online workshop on Neuroqueer Critical History.
How does a neuroqueer/neurotrans lens open up pathways for critical, ethical engagement with historical evidence of neurodivergent and gender-nonconforming body-minds beyond presentist frameworks? Building on work problematizing ideas of norms and identities in the history of medicine and sexuality, it will take a two-part approach:
- Participants will read a small selection of theoretical work in neuroqueer/neurotrans and/or critical queer history as the basis for discussing what it might mean to approach the past through a neuroqueer lens, including in relation to their own work.
- If time permits, we will engage in a close critical reading (in small breakout rooms, then together) of 1-2 late-19th century psychiatric sources through this lens.
Please note: Early career researcher and graduate student participation is actively encouraged in this workshop.
Participation is capped at 12.
This will be a trans-, neuro- and diversity-affirming space.
Moderator:Katie Sutton (she/they) is an associate professor of German and Gender Studies at The Australian National University. Their work focuses on the cultural history of gender and sexuality from the late 19th to 20th century, especially in the German-speaking world (latest book: Sexuality in Modern German History, 2023). They identify as queer and neurodivergent, and their newest research seeks to unpack the entangled history of neuro- and gender diversity in German medicine and culture.
This event is free to attend. The Zoom link will be circulated closer to the date.
This workshop is hosted by the Neurodivergent Humanities Network.
Register via Eventbrite.
