Professor Richard Mole: Inaugural Lecture

On 25 May, Prof Richard Mole, Professor of Political Sociology, delivered his Inaugural Lecture entitled 'Nationalism, Populism and Homophobia in Central and Eastern Europe'. This Inaugural Lecture, now available to watch on our YouTube Channel (or by clicking on the picture icon), discussed how nationalist and populist actors seek to legitimise the marginalisation of sexual and gender minorities and how LGBTQ individuals push back. Prof Diane P. Koenker, SSEES Director gave a welcome to Prof Mole's audience, which consisted of friends, family, students and the general public. The introduction was given by Prof Sasha Roseneil, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences (SHS) and an appreciation was offered by Prof Michael Worton, former Vice-Provost (Academic and International).

Ms Alina Vrabie, BA History, Politics and Economics 2nd year student at SSEES and President of the SSEES Student Society (2022-23), also attended the Lecture and shared her reflections in the SSEES Research Blog. She said that overall, Richard’s lecture was an eye opening synopsis on the socio-political climate the LGBT communities in Central and Eastern Europe face. His research proves to be a vital means to reach causality between the anti-LGBT phenomenon and populism, explaining the factors underpinning the persistence of LGBT oppression in the region.