Caught in a Rainbow Trap! | In-person

Researcher and writer Kevin Guyan shares ideas from his new book Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications and the Dangers of Inclusion.

In conversation with X, this event explores the politics of categories, classifications and labels – and the problems that follow when sorting people’s lives and experiences into boxes.

From workplace diversity monitoring forms to dating apps, many systems we encounter every day make decisions about who is the ‘same’ and who is ‘different’.

But can the rules of classification systems ever accommodate the full diversity of people’s lives or will efforts to make these systems more inclusive always leave some people behind?

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Dr Kevin Guyan

Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Dr Kevin Guyan is a researcher, writer, and activist. His research explores the intersection of data and identity, with a particular focus on data practices that engage LGBTQ communities in the UK.

Kevin is a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, Director of the Gender + Sexuality Data Lab, and a member of the Young Academy of Scotland.

He is the author of Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications and the Dangers of Inclusion (Bloomsbury Academic, 2025) and Queer Data: Using Gender, Sex and Sexuality Data for Action (Bloomsbury Academic, 2022).

CHAIR

Talat Yaqoob FRSE

Independent Consultant and Researcher, Scotland

Talat Yaqoob is a third-sector leader, writer and campaigner, focused on equality issues across politics, public life and the labour market; in particular championing women, communities of colour and migrants. She is an independent consultant providing policy, public affairs and research expertise to the third and public sectors. She was the Director of Equate Scotland, the national expert on women in science, engineering, technology and the built environment. She is a co-founder and Chair of the campaign group Women 50:50, advocating for fair representation of women in politics, which won a Herald Diversity Award in 2017. She is also a member of the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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