What’s Love Got to Do with It? Über Queeres Nutzen

What are the conditions for queer use? Who is entitled to it? Can queer use permanently change institutions?

In the conclusion of her 2019 book, "What's the Use? On the Uses of Use", philosopher Sara Ahmed defines queer use as "the use of things in a way other than, or by, those for whom they were intended". Queer use can mean deviating from the straight path, failing or refusing to use something correctly, or disobeying. It is primarily an act of survival and creativity.

In times of increased conservative backlash and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, the lab invites an international group of curators and artists with queer working practices to critically reflect on how theater and other (art) spaces are used for queer purposes and audiences and to share strategies and experiences.

The lab looks closely at cases from the last three years, which have emerged during the pandemic and in response to the disruption of such physical spaces and events that form essential support networks for queer audiences. What are the conditions for queer use? Who is entitled to it? Can queer use permanently transform institutions?

Atabey Mamasita, Bellatrix Ziegler, Göksu Kunak, Gregor Zoch, Lari Medawar, Lena Kollender, Léon Kruijswijk, Lou Drago, Mateusz Szymanowka, Mayra Walraff, Michał Grzegorzek, Naomi Kelechi Odhiambo, Nara Virgens, Noa Winter & Olympia Bukkakis