“One in three gay and bisexual men experience abuse from a male partner — but few ever talk about it.”
Join us for an afternoon of reflection, research, and performance exploring domestic abuse in gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men's relationships. This 90-minute event brings together lived experience, academic insight, and creative storytelling to open up a subject that is too often left unspoken.
Hosted by Dr Steven Maxwell and Dr Edgar Rodríguez-Dorans, the event will feature a special guest appearance from comedian James Barr, whose new Fringe show 'Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum)' draws on his own experience of domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship; a narrative portrait performed by actor Mark Benedict Murphy drawn from survivor testimonies based on Scottish research on intimate partner violence; and a facilitated panel discussion exploring the realities of abuse in GBQ men's relationships, including: the forms abuse can take and impact it has, why shame and stigma make it so hard to seek help, how healing is possible, and the role of comedy and performance in speaking truth.
The event will close with an open discussion between members of the audience and the panel.
We hope this event will create space for open, honest conversation. Anyone with an interest in Gay, Bisexual, and Queer experiences, survivor-led narratives, and the power of performance to challenge silence is welcome to attend.
The discussion will also connect to the release of a podcast featuring James Barr, Steven Maxwell, and Edgar Rodríguez-Dorans.
Please only book a ticket if you plan to attend. If your plans change, cancel as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else.
While this is a free event, we invite attendees who are able to consider making a small donation to Waverley Care, a Scottish charity supporting people affected by HIV.
*Warning: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.
