Dr Roberta Magnani

What aspects of LGBT+ history do you explore in your research?

My research is fundamentally a project of recuperation and recovery of the hidden histories of marginalised people in the Middle Ages. I apply contemporary gender theory, especially queer theory, to the medieval past in order to give a voice to narratives about non-binary individuals in our literary histories. Once we open up our accounts of the past to LGBTQI+ histories, we can also change how we think in radical, exciting and urgent ways. We can free ourselves from the trappings of closed-off binary (i.e. privileged) thinking about all sorts of pressing issues such as race, disability, class, but also time and space.

How, in your opinion, did the situation of the LGBTQ+ community change through the beginning of the 21st century?

The statistics about violent death affecting the LGBTQI+ community around the world are profoundly alarming, and saddening. To date the spectre of discrimination and death seems to be a constant companion for LGBTQI+ people, especially in the trans community. So, major work still needs to be done. However, in May 2019 the World Health Organisation officially de-psycho-pathologised trans and gender-diverse identities who, as a result, are no longer classified medically as a form of disease. This will, over time, rid the community of the social stigma of deviance as well as allowing them to access appropriate health-care provision when needed.

How do you think the allies can help the LGBTQ+ in earning real equality?

Allies can help by:
a) exploring, acknowledging, and addressing their privilege with positive action;
b) apologise for the hurt caused by the bias created by our privilege, and then take sustained action to remedy this bias;
c) listen with compassion, learn rigorously, avoid defensiveness, focus on how to do the work so that the LGBTQI+ community doesn't have to carry the burden of equality by themselves (lighten the load whenever possible or take it on);
d) expect to feel challenged and uncomfortable: it's part of the learning process and the undoing of long histories of privilege; stick your head above the parapet if it's safe to do so;
e) advocate, amplify and celebrate LGBTQI+ lives and histories: they are awesome!
f) help build joyful, kind and inclusive communities in which LGBTQI+ people are free to be.

How can we fight all phobias?

Acknowledge the trauma; educate yourself; speak up; create safe spaces; and, again, celebrate the histories and lives of historically marginalised communities.