Museums as Queer Spaces: Teen Workshops on Gender Identity
Museums are emerging as venues for discussions about gender identity. In May 2023, Mudec in Milan organized "Teens Queer Voice," a series of workshops for youth aged 15-18, facilitated by Nicole Moolhuijsen, that explored themes of gender, identity, and representation through the lens of Muholi's photography. This initiative aligns with ICOM's commitment to inclusivity, which was established in August 2022. Due to the absence of formal queer education in Italian schools, museums are stepping up to fill the gap. Similar programs are found internationally, such as LGBTQIA+ workshops at the British Museum and Queer Britain, which opened in London in 2022. Additionally, Museo di Storia Naturale e Archeologia di Montebelluna and Fondazione Querini Stampalia have embraced queer narratives. However, experts warn that Italy still falls short in supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives, cautioning against 'rainbow washing.'
Key facts
- Teens queer voice workshops held at Mudec, Milan on May 20-21, 2023
- Workshops for ages 15-18 led by Nicole Moolhuijsen
- Inspired by Muholi photography exhibition
- ICOM updated museum definition in August 2022 emphasizing inclusivity
- British Museum conducts LGBTQIA+ school workshops
- Queer Britain museum opened in London in 2022
- Van Abbemuseum and IHLIA offer queer training in Netherlands
- Amsterdam Museum runs Queer Gaze Tours
- Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid has queer-themed workshops
- Museo di Montebelluna added gender section to Futuro Agenda 2030
- Fondazione Querini Stampalia added queer narratives to permanent collection
- Palazzo Grassi organized gender-themed talks
Entities
Artists
- Muholi
- Nicole Moolhuijsen
Institutions
- Mudec – Museo delle Culture di Milano
- ICOM
- British Museum
- Queer Britain
- Van Abbemuseum
- IHLIA – LGBTI Heritage
- Amsterdam Museum
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Museo di Storia Naturale e Archeologia di Montebelluna
- Fondazione Querini Stampalia
- Palazzo Grassi
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom
- Eindhoven
- Netherlands
- Amsterdam
- Madrid
- Spain
- Montebelluna
- Venice
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- North Carolina
- United States