Drawing on film, literature, history, art and creative writing, we are offering a series of talks and workshops that will enable you to discover more about identities, genders and sexualities, in a range of different media, countries and historical periods. We will be joined by a well-known writer of YA fiction from our Creative Writing team (Natalia Leibnitz, publishing as N. D. Gomes) to think about characters in fiction, as well as experts in art history, European history, film studies and crime fiction. We will focus on thinking about and discussing gender, sexuality and identity in particular works of literature, art or film, or in particular historical moments. Students will have the option to work on a short creative piece (literature, photography or film) for the end of workshop showcase, and will be invited to a special film screening and discussion.

This workshop will be useful to any student taking History, English or Modern Languages at National 5, Highers or Advanced Highers, but no prior background in these subjects is assumed – the workshop will be enjoyable for any student who likes creativity, debate, and discussion, and who is curious about understanding gender and identity.

Please note: Places are limited. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be provided.

Lead: Dr Jacky Collins, Lecturer in Spanish and Latin American Studies at Stirling University and the Festival Director for Newcastle Noir. As ‘Dr Noir’, she regularly interviews crime fiction authors at national and international events. Jacky also hosts a series of author ‘consultations’ on the Newcastle Noir YouTube channel – ‘The Doctor Will See You Now’. More recently she translated Antonia Lassa’s Llevado en la piel (Skin Deep).

The University of Stirling is committed to Widening Participation in higher education, and has reserved a small number of free places for students from relevant backgrounds. If you think you may be eligible, please contact us by emailing FAHFacultyOffice@stir.ac.uk.