A one-day symposium hosted by the Contemporary Intimacies, Sexualities and Genders (CISG) Research Group at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

22 April 2026 10-4, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6EB. 

This one-day symposium will showcase and explore cutting-edge research and theorising about contemporary intimate lives, with a focus on ‘ordinary’ intimacies. Our conception of what is ‘ordinary,’ and how it might be investigated or analysed, is broad and inclusive. ‘Ordinary’ intimacies may include relationships and connections which tend to be unnoticed or overlooked (either in everyday life or in academic research) such as acquaintanceships or intimate encounters in the context of care work, leisure or sport. Further, ordinary intimacies are not necessarily experienced or defined positively. Indeed, this might be part of what makes them ‘ordinary’ rather than ‘extraordinary’.  The symposium will therefore include discussion of intimacies which are experienced as both ‘ordinary’ and also unsatisfactory, ambivalent or abusive.  

Through the sharing and discussing of a wide range of ordinary intimacies, we intend to create a space in which we can explore how ‘ordinariness’ is constructed, including how conceptions of ordinariness might relate (or not) to social norms and ideals. We will discuss how such processes may be changing in the context of shifting technological, political and cultural contexts. 

We invite submissions for 15 minute presentations which explore questions, such as: 

• How are understandings of ‘ordinary intimacies’ changing in a digital society? 

• How are ordinary intimacies practiced or experienced in particular contexts? 

• What is the relationship between ordinary intimacies and time? 

• How are intimate encounters managed in everyday life? 

• How can we understand sensory and material aspects of ordinary intimate lives? 

• How and why do intimacies and intimate relationships become the focus of political and cultural contentions? 

• How are ordinary intimacies represented and mediated in culture and art? 

• What kinds of methods are needed to understand ordinary intimacies? 

If you would like to present a paper use this form to send us your contact information and propose a title and abstract of 200-250 words. 

Costs and Access 

There is no registration fee for this event. 

The symposium is open to all disciplines and career stages, and we particularly encourage PhD and ECR scholars to take part.  

The symposium will be held in the Grosvenor East building. Accessibility information is available here. 

If you have any further questions, requests or access needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: l.gilman@mmu.ac.uk; a.denby@mmu.ac.uk; chris.waugh@mmu.ac.uk  

Key Dates 

Deadline for abstract submissions: 13 February 2026 

Decisions on abstracts by: 27 February 2026 

Presenter registration deadline: 13 March 2026 

All delegates registration deadline: 8 April 2026