Project Description
The Queer Kinship Research Network is an international and transdisciplinary project led by Silvia Antosa (University for Foreigners of Siena), Charlotte Ross (University of Oxford), and Paolo Frascà (University of Toronto), queer scholars in the field of English and Italian language and cultural studies.
The project explores the histories and transformative changes in queer affective bonds and family dynamics, examining the impact of recent legal, social, and cultural shifts. By fostering critical debate and inter- and transdisciplinary exchanges, the research network aims to develop greater awareness of the diverse configurations of queer relationships and families within a plural, multicultural, and inclusive framework.
Although rooted in the study of Anglophone and Italophone contexts, the research project also seeks to identify trends, create new methodologies, and explore the transcultural and transnational circulation of discourses on non-normative/marginalized affective bonds and queer (un)families.
Research Outputs
The activities of the research network include:
- A series of three conferences between 2024 and 2026 in Siena (Italy), Oxford (UK), and Toronto (Canada), aiming to bridge the gaps in understanding emerging social, cultural, and legal discourses surrounding queer families and queer affective bonds in these geopolitical contexts and beyond.
- A series of online research seminars at an inter- and transdisciplinary level, held in both English and Italian, broadcast live and archived for further analysis and research.
- An interactive research blog for sharing insights, research updates, and reflections by scholars, students, and activists. The blog explores a wide range of topics, from legal and social changes to cultural representation, fostering critical discussions on the different configurations of queer families and relationships in a global and multicultural context. Whether reflecting on the latest academic trends, discussing new methodologies, or exploring the transcultural flow of discourses on queer kinship, the blog is a vital resource for developing critical debate at the intersection of queer theory, family studies, and social change.
- The dissemination of research findings through a series of international publications in academic book series and peer-reviewed journals.
Upcoming publication: Antosa S., Frascà P., Ross C. (eds.), Queer Kinship: Affects, Bonds, Families, 2 volumes, forthcoming with Mimesis, Transculture Series.
Project Contact at Unistrasi
Silvia Antosa – Associate Professor of English Language, Translation, and Culture
Partners
Charlotte Ross -University of Oxford, UK
Paolo Frascà - University of Toronto, CA