"Unveiling Hidden Narratives: Documenting the Queer Community in Sudan through Audiovisual Media"

This paper delves into the largely uncharted territory of the queer community's experiences in Sudan, a subject marred by social marginalization and a conspicuous absence in mainstream media narratives. Where representations do exist, they often cast the queer community as a social anomaly, further obfuscating their realities and histories. This lacuna in visibility and representation not only skews public perception but also presents formidable challenges in documenting the lived experiences and histories of this community. The conundrum is exacerbated by the dearth of scholarly research and the hurdles in political advocacy communication. In response to this gap, my presentation pivots on the innovative use of visual methodologies to amplify the voices of queer and feminist women from Sudan. Central to this endeavor is a collection of photographs and documentary videos, which form an integral part of my doctoral research. This research aims to illuminate the historical and practical dimensions of queer and feminist activism in Sudan. The audiovisual materials, produced during my fieldwork in Sudan from May to October 2022, serve as a conduit to these often-silenced narratives. In this presentation, I will unveil the audiovisual project and provide an in-depth analysis of its production process. This exploration is not merely about visual representation; it is an attempt to dissect and understand the complexities of the queer community in Sudan, challenging dominant narratives and stereotypes that have long overshadowed their experiences. To achieve a comprehensive and nuanced understanding, the audiovisual content is examined through the prisms of gender media studies, Audio-Visual Character Analysis (ACIS), and ethnomethodological approaches in sociology. These theoretical frameworks underpin a critical analysis, offering insights into the modes of representation and self-representation within the queer community. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between empirical evidence and theoretical discourse, fostering a more profound and empathetic understanding of the queer community's struggles, resilience, and modes of resistance in the face of societal adversities. Through this presentation, I aim to contribute to the broader discourse on queer identities and activism, particularly in contexts that have remained on the peripheries of academic and media attention.