B4 Queer Geography of Czechia

Posted on

Michal Pitoňák

Tuesday, April 11 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Geographies of sexualities are usually not one of those most tangible geographical subject matters. However, at the same time, quickly changing societal norms, legislations, and other rapid developments make it almost possible to grasp these changes in real time. Similarly, many regions have passed their progressive liberal legislations and codified sexual equality and aim to achieve equity, and yet, many regions oppose these developments, or even reverse them. This lecture will focus on two aspects. First, it will discuss necessary theory and open questions such as: what is heteronormativity; what is sexual citizenship; can we learn from experiences beyond “the West” or apply the experience of the “West” locally? Second, it will address the Czech context of geographies of sexualities. The lecture is followed by a subsequent excursion allowing for a transition from the space of the classroom to the diverse cityscape of Prague.

Readings:

Pitoňák, M., 2022. A Decade of Prague Pride: Mapping Origins, Seeking Meanings, Understanding Effects. In Mapping LGBTQ Spaces and Places: A Changing World (pp. 417-443). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Pitoňák, M., 2019. Lessons from the “Periphery”: Countering Anglo-Geographic Hegemony over geographies of sexuality and gender. Documents d’anàlisi geogràfica, 65(3), pp.563-585.

Pitoňák, M. and Spilková, J., 2016. Homophobic prejudice in Czech youth: a sociodemographic analysis of young people’s opinions on homosexuality. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 13(3), pp.215-229.