Khalaf Allah, Samah
Research Interests:
Queer , Intersectionality , Postcolonialism , Afrofeminism , Identity , Sociopolitics , Resistance , Marginalization , Activism , Artivism
Geographical Area:
Sudan
Current Project:
“Resisting Hegemonies: The Politics of Queerness in Sudan - Identity, Resistance, and Sociopolitical Dynamics”
This thesis presents a critical exploration of queerness within Sudanese feminist discourse, merging Afrofeminist and postcolonial theoretical frameworks. It draws on the insights of scholars like Sylvia Tamale, Audre Lorde, Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí, and Amina Mama, delving into the nuanced interplay of queer identity and expression in Sudan's sociopolitical context. The study focuses on historically marginalized queer narratives, illuminating their obscured intersections with feminism.
Central to this inquiry are questions about how Sudan's sociopolitical changes have shaped queer narratives and the impact of systemic power dynamics and gender constructs on queer identities. The thesis employs James Scott's "everyday resistance" concept to explore dissent and resilience within the queer community, expanding traditional African feminist and queer discourse.
The research assesses the transformative impact of Sudan's recent revolution on queer activism and identity, examining the intersections of queer identities with revolutionary ideologies and their influence on resistance and engagement. It scrutinizes the evolution of queer activism post-revolution, analyzing strategies to navigate and challenge sociopolitical hegemonies.
Furthermore, the thesis investigates the cultural and political significance of queer identities in Sudan, exploring their negotiation and rearticulation within various sociopolitical discourses. This analysis provides a deep understanding of queer identity formation amid sociopolitical marginalization.
Methodologically, the study integrates ethnographic and autoethnographic approaches for a contextualized exploration of queer experiences in Sudan. Complementing the written work is an audiovisual project, including a photographic exhibition and four documentary videos, offering a multidimensional perspective on the themes.
By fusing Afrofeminist perspectives with postcolonial critique, this thesis aims to forge a powerful and transformative narrative. It seeks not only to amplify marginalized voices but also to challenge and redefine the dominant understandings of feminist and queer identities within the African context. This endeavor contributes to broadening the discourse on feminism and queerness, providing strategic insights for activism and advocacy that resonate beyond the confines of academics.
Further information (CV and conference contributions)