Immigrants in the Sexual Revolution: a book talk

Andrew DJ Shield presents his book, which focuses on the latter half of the twentieth century, when much of northwest Europe grew increasingly multicultural with the arrival of foreign workers and (post-)colonial migrants, whilst simultaneously experiencing a boom in feminist and sexual liberation activism.

Using multilingual newspapers, foreign worker organizations’ archives, and interviews, Shield shows that immigrants in the Netherlands and Denmark held a variety of viewpoints about European gender and sexual cultures.

Some immigrants felt solidarity with, and even participated in, European social movements that changed norms and laws in favour of women’s equality, gay and lesbian rights, and sexual liberation. These histories challenge today’s politicians and journalists who strategically link immigration to sexual conservatism, misogyny, and homophobia.

Everyone is welcome!