Queer Aɸ 2026

Queer Aɸ Conference

Keynote: Rowan Bell (University of Guelph) 

Public Events: TBA

Organizers: Lauren Lyons, Erin Beeghly, Joshua Kramer, 

Local Contacts: Lauren Lyons, Nico Orlandi and Sara Bernstein 

We invite all queers to submit to the second-annual Queer Aɸ (Queer Analytic Philosophy) Conference, hosted by UC Santa Cruz, June 22-24, 2026. The aim of the conference is to foreground philosophical work in the analytic tradition (very broadly conceived) that is informed by queer experience, community, and theorizing, as well as to build community among queer scholars in philosophy and beyond. In addition to talks, the conference will include a poster session, a workshop on LGBTQIA+ activism, two public events, a party (of course), and other glam surprises. The conference will conveniently take place at the University of California, Santa Cruz during the week leading up to San Francisco pride.

There are several ways to apply and participate: by giving a talk, by presenting at our QWIP (queer work-in-progress poster sessions), or by serving as a commentator (senior faculty are especially encouraged to participate in this role). QWIP is geared toward early stage work, public-facing projects, and cross-disciplinary work, and it is open to upper-level undergraduates. We are also seeking submissions for session chairs. The goal is to bring as many queer philosophers as possible together for a few days of community-building and queer philosophizing. Applicants to last year’s event are encouraged to apply again. 

We are happy to announce a Graduate Student Prize in Queer Analytic Philosophy, which features a $1000 award. Those applying for the paper prize should submit a full paper in addition to an abstract. The prize recipient will give a talk at the conference. 

We have some funding available to support the travel costs of participants; priority will be given to those who lack research funds and are in precarious employment situations. 

We are also committed to making this event accessible for all. For questions about accommodations, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Erin Beeghly, at [email protected].

This event is generously funded by an APA Diversity and Inclusiveness Grant. 

Topics for papers and work-in-progress may include, but are not limited to:

• Imagination and desire from a queer perspective

• Ideology, propaganda, and queer/anti-queer activism

• Standpoint epistemology and cishet ignorance

• Self-knowledge of gender and sexuality

• Discriminatory language and hate speech

• Resistant queer linguistic practices

• Identity labels and representation of queer identities

• Varieties of essentialism about LGBTQ+ identities

• Queer solidarity and forms of political organizing

• Queer experience and approaches related to class structure & politics

• Re-imagining and abolishing the family

• Gender reform and abolitionism

• Metaphysics of sex, gender, and sexuality

• Queer critiques of science (including, but not limited to, mathematical, physical, biological, and mind sciences)

• Queer aesthetics and the aesthetics of queer art

• Philosophical aspects of historical queer thought and queer approaches to the history of philosophy (ancient, medieval, and modern)

• Queer topics, experience and approaches to the philosophy of emotions and reactive attitudes

• Queer topics, experience and  approaches to the philosophy of love, sex, and relationships

• Bioethics and the treatment of queer bodies

We look forward to seeing you in Santa Cruz for three days of philosophy, community, and celebration leading into Pride! 

Questions? [email protected]

[email protected] 

Accessibility coordinator: [email protected]