Invitation for contributions to an edited book: Socio-cultural perspectives on sexualities, , & reproduction in South Africa

Background & aims of the book

The overarching purpose of this book is to continue to grow and stimulate South African scholarship on the topic of same- gendered /, queer families, and reproductive choices. The book will take an interdisciplinary approach and will feature chapters by academics, emerging scholars, activists/civil society (and combinations of the aforementioned). The aims of the book are as follows:  generate scholarly dialogue, facilitate networks and collaboration around this nascent area of scholarship  showcase some innovative approaches to research on the topic, including humanities-oriented contributions  provide a platform for activists and early career researchers

The idea for the book grew out of a recognition of the lack of South African (and Southern) research on gender and sexual minorities’ reproductive intentions or decisions; pathways or transitions to parenthood; and experiences of ‘doing’ . We need to build on the small, growing body of knowledge that exists to produce context-specific knowledge and perspectives on becoming and ‘doing’ family among gender or sexual minorities, including how this is shaped by the particular socio-cultural spaces of South Africa. Knowledge and perspectives produced on this topic are invaluable for supporting the social and rights of gender and sexual minorities and the larger social transformation of South African society.

The development of this book is being funded by a grant from the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development. We plan to compile and submit a proposal to UNISA Press, who has expressed interest in receiving a proposal on this topic. Proposal and author development workshops are planned to take place.

Editors

 Dr Tracy Morison ([email protected]) Human Sciences Research Council & Rhodes University  Dr Ingrid Lynch ([email protected]) Human Sciences Research Council & Rhodes University  Prof Vasu Reddy ([email protected]) Human Sciences Research Council & University of KwaZulu Natal

Possible topics and themes

We are interested including chapters on the following topics, but not limited to these alone:

 Creating families: reproductive intentions or decisions  Younger queer people’s perspectives on becoming a  Staying childfree or voluntary among queer persons  The journey toward parenthood: pathways or transitions to parenthood  (Gendered) experiences of ‘doing’ family or parenting  Perspectives and experiences of children growing up in queer families  Public representations / discourses / discussions of queer families  Community responses to queer families  Politics, policies, support, and services for queer parents and families  Gender politics and gay male parenthood  A focus on transgender; ; and bisexual persons in relation to reproductive choices, pathways to parenthood, or parenting  Parenthood through assisted reproductive technologies  Theoretical or conceptual contributions

Format

Contributors will submit single or co-authored chapters in the following formats:

 discussions of research findings / interventions / programmes / workshops   methodological innovations & ethical issues  reflexive accounts  theoretical or conceptual essays  creative pieces (e.g. photographic essays, …)

Submissions

Please send an extended abstract (of 400 words maximum) to Amanda Mtshengu ([email protected]) by 31 April 2015, providing the following information:

 the topic and outline of your manuscript;  how your manuscript will contribute to the themes of the book, as outlined above;  the form your proposed chapter will take (e.g., discussion of empirical research, photographic essay, theoretical piece etc.)

Successful abstracts

The selected abstracts will be included in a full proposal to be submitted to an academic publisher. Authors will be invited to submit a manuscript upon the publisher’s acceptance of the book proposal.

Note: All full submissions will be peer reviewed and we cannot provide any guarantee of the acceptance of your manuscript to the book prior to the review process.