Queer's conference begins in Kolkata on September 11

To what degree do people view themselves as feminine or masculine? Various facets of 'femininities' and 'masculinities' will be explored at the fourth edition of the National Queer Conference (NQC) beginning here on September 11.

The terms refer to the degree to which persons see themselves as masculine or feminine given what it means to be a man or woman in society.

At the three-day conference organised by Sappho for Equality (a queer-feminist activist forum) activists and academics will discuss and engage in dialogue about the meanings and practices associated with 'femininities' and 'masculinities'.

"Femininities and masculinities are terms that are variously theorized, contested and claimed by academics as well as activists. Central to such theorisations, contests and claims are attempts to historicize the terms, redefine their cultural parameters, and highlight multiple meanings and practices associated with them," organisers said.

The conference runs over three days and has nine sessions, 35 papers, two plenary lectures and a keynote address by renowned scholars, activists, teachers, students, and artists.

The inaugural address will be delivered by gender studies expert Saskia Wieringa, honorary professor at the University of Amsterdam.