The project explores separations and problems in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people's relationships. The long battle for equal rights has placed these relationships under a great deal of pressure to succeed and be as ordinary and happy as possible. Consequently, partners in LGBTIQ+ relationships may remain silent about their problems and break-ups, and miss out on support. The project develops a posthuman and affect theoretical framework to explore how the changing social and legal positions of LGBTIQ+ people are entangled with affective processes in break-ups, in two locations: various towns in Finland and in UK. The analysis draws on interviews with separated LGBTIQ+ people, interviews with experts, and observations at seminars for separated LGBTIQ+ people. By making the pain and relief involved in LGBTIQ+ break-ups graspable, the project can potentially enable these break-ups to be more openly talked about, lived through and grieved over.

2022

2025