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25th May 2019: Trans Studies, Trans Lives: Past, Present, and Future
Trans Studies, Trans Lives: Past, Present, and Future is a one-day symposium that seeks to promote trans-affirmative academic and creative work. Tickets here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trans-studies-trans-lives-past-present-and-future-tickets-55405237557
In 2018, the Human Rights Campaign described anti-transgender violence in the US as “A National Epidemic”; the New York Times reported, “‘Transgender’ Could Be Defined Out of Existence Under Trump Administration”. In the UK, trans identities have been subject to similar attacks, with The Times publishing 323 largely critical articles on transgender rights and lives in 2018 alone. In response to the hostility, violence, and misunderstandings perpetrated against trans people, the UCL Grand Challenges programme (GCJE – Justice & Equality) has funded a one-day symposium to celebrate Trans Studies and Trans Lives. Co-organized by Dr. Xine Yao, Dr. Ezra Horbury, and Dr. Ella Metcalfe.
This symposium seeks to recognize the difficult histories and structural issues faced by trans people, but also to ensure the present and future of trans people’s lives are not defined by oppression. We aim to showcase the endurance, joy, and creativity of the trans community with a selection of academic, autobiographical, and creative pieces on the theme of trans studies and trans lives.
In memoriam: Randolph Quirk
Date: Tuesday 9 July, 2019, 1.30-6.30pm
Location: The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James's, London
Booking available through Eventbrite
We warmly invite colleagues to come to the British Academy to celebrate the life of the eminent linguist and scholar, Professor Lord Randolph Quirk CBE (1920-2017).
Randolph Quirk was born on 12 July 1920 on the Isle of Man. He studied at University College London, where he later became Quain Professor in English Language and Literature. He was Vice-Chancellor of the University of London from 1981 to 1985.
Randolph Quirk became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1976 and was knighted in 1985. He was President of the British Academy from 1985 to 1989 and became a life peer as Baron Quirk of Bloomsbury on 12 July 1994.
Quirk is well-known for founding the Survey of English Usage at UCL in 1959, but most of all for the monumental Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language (1985), which he co-authored with Sidney Greenbaum, Geoffrey Leech and Jan Svartvik. This book, which became known as Quirk et al. is one of the great standard reference grammars of English.
As can be seen by the tributes on this page, Randolph was well-respected and much-loved in equal measure.
If you knew Randolph personally, were inspired by him, or simply would like to learn more about his impact on linguistics and the university, you are more than welcome to attend.