Artwork ‘Sam’ by Claire Barnes
We invite you to join a community of LGBTQ+ GASi members and those with a genuine interest in sexual and gender diversity, and queer approaches to group analysis.
This SIG – queer perspectives in group analysis (SIGQPGA) – aims to offer a reflective space and network for LGBTQ+ GASI members and allies along with a platform for furthering the understanding of group analysis, in relation to queer theory and other contemporary ‘outsider’ thinking such as feminism and intersectionality.
The group will provide the opportunity to meet across international borders to explore the shared and different experiences of working as, or with, those with minoritized gender and sexual identities. Members will be encouraged to share reflections from personal and clinical experiences, as well as exchanging theoretical perspectives.
We also hope the group will serve as a platform for intellectual discourse and the exchange of knowledge in the intersecting fields of group analysis, gender and sexuality, and contemporary thinking. Whether your interest lies in collaborative research, refining clinical competencies, or engaging in sociocultural discussions within our field, our aim is for this SIG to also provide an academic space for participation.
This is an exciting opportunity to join with LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies in a potentially enriching and powerful exchange around queer experiences and perspectives. Join our community to connect with peers; broaden your scholarly horizons; share thoughts, feelings and experiences; and contribute to the ongoing dialogue. Your perspective is valued, and your contributions holds significance within our academic, clinical, and interpersonal community.
While this group will be convened and facilitated we do not have a set agenda or focus and so its direction and development will be decided by the group itself.
Below are the sorts of questions we hope we can try to address as a SIG. However, we also welcome and encourage you to come with your own.
- What do we do with our history as group analysts?
Foulkes, Therapeutic Group Analysis, 1975: “…we should rule out people who are pervert to a marked degree – for instance (…) homosexuals (…). We do not want people who are out for their own advantage, material or otherwise, those who are vain and oversensitive, fanatic, and those who think they have a mission to fulfil”. - What price do we pay to ask questions and challenge narratives?
- And what happens if we do nothing
- How do we support and learn from each other?
- How do we understand sexuality and gender internationally as diverse group analysts?
- How do we reach across and harness our differences for the development of an intersectional understanding of queer perspectives
- Can we think about trauma in relation to our queer group members and colleagues.
- Are groups queer spaces?
Anderson, The Body of the Group, 2022: “Such regulatory structures of space, time, and contact, both of bodies and language, offer a unique experience that is particularly regulated, for [the analytic group] is neither a social space nor (in due course) are group members total strangers to each other. The analysands are positioned somewhere in between, both ill-defined and refused definition, and open to debate and movement”
Aims:
Aim 1: To establish a reflective group for LGBTQ+ and allies amongst the GASi members.
Aim 2: To foster a community of group analysts and professionals interested in exploring and advancing the understanding of sexual and gender diversity within the context of group analysis and queer theory.
Aim 3: To advance research and scholarship in the areas of sexual and gender analysis within the framework of group dynamics and queer theory.
Aim 4: To provide a platform for the exploration of ethical and clinical considerations related to sexual and gender diversity in group analysis.
Aim 5: To advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and social justice in relation to sexuality and gender minorities within the field of group analysis and related professional communities.
Aim 6: To encourage networking and collaboration among SIG-QPGA members.
Membership: Membership in SIG-QPGA is open to LGBT+ members and GASi members with a genuine interest in sexual and gender diversity, group analysis, queer and feminist approaches.
Leadership: The SIG-QPGA shall be led by Daniel Anderson and Claire Barnes
Meetings: Regular meetings, virtually, shall be conducted to achieve the group’s aims. Meeting frequency and format will be determined by the members, with final decision belonging to SIG leadership.
Contact: