Centre for Feminist Research: Beyond the Interface: Critical Perspectives of Sex Work and SexTech
The Critical Trafficking and Sex Work Studies Research Cluster at the Centre for Feminist Research is excited to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming virtual conference, "Beyond the Interface: Critical Perspectives of Sex Work and SexTech," from October 17-19, 2024. This conference will explore the critical intersections of sex work and digital technologies, focusing on the societal implications of AI, VR, and other digital innovations within global sexual economies.
The event will feature keynote speakers, moderated panels, film screenings, and research presentations from researchers, community organizers, and the sex work community, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and insights on the key conference themes:
- Legal and Ethical Perspectives of SexTech and Sex Work
- Representation and Inclusivity in Erotic Virtual Spaces
- Neoliberal Globalization and Colonialism in Digital Realms
- Wellness and Safety in Online Environments
- Technological Innovation and Social Change
We are thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker, Gabriella Garcia, a creative researcher with over a decade of experience of sharing stories about networked subcultures and technologically-enabled intimacy. She is currently developing a practice that uses speculative fiction and magical realism to gather sex workers together to design futures toward potential real-world solutions. For more information, her website is https://decodingstigma.tech/.
We're also excited to announce our upcoming conference, occurring from October 17-19, 2024, with 11 panel presentations, and daily sessions starting from 10:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time/EST). Please note that attendance is flexible—you are not required to attend all sessions and are welcome to join as many or as few panels as you prefer.
Originally planned to be free of charge, we've had to introduce a small fee due to unexpected funding cuts. We understand that this may be disappointing news, but we hope you'll still join us for what promises to be a valuable and informative event. General admission is $20, the student rate is $5, and attendance is free for sex workers.
To register for the conference or view the conference schedule please click: Eventbrite Link for Beyond the Interface Conference Registration
We have received over forty contributions from scholars, activists, sex workers, community-based researchers, and technology companies worldwide, making this conference a truly global platform for discussion and collaboration.
This conference promises to be a dynamic and inclusive space for exchanging ideas and fostering new collaborations. We encourage you to register and share this announcement widely within your networks. If you have any accessibility needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely and on behalf of the Critical Trafficking and Sex Work Studies Research Cluster,
The "Beyond the Interface" Conference Organizing Team.
Sponsored by the Jack & Mae Nathanson Centre; York Centre for Asian Research; Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies; Centre for Feminist Research; The Harriet Tubman Institute; the Department of Sociology; the Resource Centre for Public Sociology; and the School of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies at York University.