Dear colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who joined the recent EASP Roundtable on Academic Freedoms Related to Gender Identity and Expression.
We were fortunate to have contributions from an excellent panel of speakers:

• Jaime Barrientos, Alberto Hurtado University, Chile
• Humaira Jami, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
• Lebogang Manthibe Ramalepe, North-West University, South Africa
• Thekla Morgenroth, Purdue University, US

Moderator: Jojanneke van der Toorn, Utrecht University, Netherlands

Our discussion brought together perspectives from Latin America, Pakistan, South Africa, the United States, Netherlands and beyond. Speakers reflected on how academic freedoms are shaped by changing political and institutional contexts, and how government-level shifts can directly affect university policies and scholarly work. We explored how different cultural and political environments influence approaches to studying LGBTQ+ issues, as well as the varied challenges and strategies scholars adopt to navigate threats to academic freedom.

It was particularly insightful to hear about the diverse ways researchers manage risks, sustain their work, and foster dialogue despite restrictive conditions. The discussion underscored the importance of continued exchange and solidarity among scholars working in this area.

We hope that these conversations will continue — and we invite those interested to:

• Apply for the upcoming pre-conference https://www.easp.eu/news/itm/call_for_submissions_easp_2026_p-2155.html
• Submit proposals for RKTS funding to support the creation of networks around these issues https://www.easp.eu/grants/rkts/?
• Submit your research for a Meet-Up: https://www.easp.eu/events/meet-ups/

Finally, this roundtable came to life thanks to the initiative of one of our members who approached us with this idea. We remain open to similar proposals for future online roundtables or workshops, and warmly welcome suggestions from members.
With thanks and best wishes,

Dr. Gülseli Baysu

Diversity officer, EASP Executive Committee