Project TRACE was represented at the ERC Annual Conference 2023 – Research on Diversity & Diversity in Frontier Research through the participation of its Principal Investigator, Dr. Ana Cristina Santos, who contributed to Session 3: Perceptions of Diversity.
During her intervention, Dr. Santos presented the TRACE project and reflected on how diversity is perceived, conceptualised, and experienced over time, particularly in relation to ageing LGBTQI+ populations in Europe.
ERC Conference Summary
Dr. Santos began by delving into the complexities of defining concepts and highlighted the fluid nature of language and perceptions. She presented the aim of the TRACE project, which is to explore queer citizenship over time and address key issues such as aging, ageism, and LGBTI+ related politics in Southern Europe. The project covers countries like Portugal, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, and Greece and sheds light on the varying levels of formal protection for LGBTQI+ individuals in these regions. The focus is on analysing the life experiences of older LGBTQI+ individuals who have lived through pivotal historical changes, from facing criminalisation to dealing with the AIDS crisis and finally witnessing the recognition of formal rights.
Dr. Santos introduced three main strands of research foci, namely the concepts of outlaw, outcast, and outlast. These represent different phases in the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals, ranging from legal challenges to societal stigma, and ultimately, the triumph of outlasting these struggles. The presentation underlined the significance of survivors, portraying the attainment of old age as a victory in the face of societal challenges.
The research methodology of the project involves the collection and analysis of life stories from individuals over the age of 60. The objective is to recover and value the embodied legacy of those who lived during a time when diversity was criminalised.
Dr. Santos concluded by addressing the question of living after surviving. An interview excerpt from a Portuguese context illustrated the ongoing challenges faced by older LGBTQI+ individuals, challenging the notion that life has universally improved for this demographic.
Dr. Santos reiterated the dynamic nature of words, particularly focusing on the word “surviving,” which encapsulates nuanced meanings of enduring, persisting, and remaining. Older LGBTQI+ individuals are resilient individuals whose embodied memories constitute a precious legacy, providing invaluable insights for developing inclusive policies on diversity, sexuality, and aging.
In conclusion, Dr. Santos explored the intricate terrain of language and perceptions, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of queer citizenship through the TRACE project, emphasising the triumphs and challenges faced by older LGBTQI+ individuals and underscoring the enduring significance of their embodied memories for informing inclusive policies on diversity, sexuality, and aging.
