Immigrants on Grindr revisited

Abstract
Based on his book by this name, Dr. Shield will examine the role of hook-up apps in the lives of gay, bi, trans, and queer immigrants and refugees in Europe, and how the online culture of these platforms promotes belonging or exclusion. This research focuses on the experiences of immigrants from especially Muslim-majority countries to the greater Copenhagen area, a region known for both its progressive ideologies and its anti-immigrant practices. Grindr and similar platforms connect newcomers with not only dates and sex, but also friends, roommates and other logistical contacts. But these socio-sexual platforms also become spaces of racialization and othering. Weaving together analyses of real Grindr profile texts, immigrant narratives, political rhetoric, and popular media, the talk provides looks at the interplay between online and offline cultures, and between technology and society.

Published in December 2019, Immigrants on Grindr could not address recent global contexts for migrant digital cultures, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine. This talk revisits the conclusions of the book in light of these and other current events.

Biography
Andrew DJ Shield is Assistant Professor of Migration History at Leiden University, where he specializes in sexuality, race, and diversity in Europe since 1945. He holds two PhD degrees: in History (CUNY Graduate Center, 2015) and Communication (Roskilde University, 2018). He is the author of Immigrants on Grindr (2019) and of Immigrants in the Sexual Revolution : Perceptions and Participation in Northwest Europe (2017).

This seminar will be given in English.

On Wednesday 29th November 2023, 5 to 7 PM, Henri Janne room (Building S – 15th floor, Solbosch campus, ULB).

Seating is limited – first come, first served : https://forms.office.com/e/REU3DQmVuN